Glasgow-based CCL Energy Group, one of the UK’s largest distributors of renewable energy systems, has acquired Firefly Solar Generators in a move which will increase group turnover to almost £30 million and pave the way for major expansion.

Staffing is set to increase across CCL by 50 per cent to 44 with immediate effect.

Employment is set to rise to 75 people over the next few years.

CCL Components, established in 1997, has become one of Europe’s largest distributors of renewable energy systems.

Its parent company CCL Energy Group also includes The PowerStore Inc in Dallas, Texas, which gives CCL a platform for growth into both North and South America.

Currently, East Sussex-based Firefly produces hybrid power systems for a variety of sectors, including construction, where its customers include A Plant, Speedy Hire and Aggreko. Over the last three years the company generated in excess of £10m in sales.

Renamed as Firefly Hybrid Power Ltd, its portfolio of clean energy products will be combined with CCL’s own recently developed Powerplus range of hybrid power systems to help the expanded business secure a larger share of the clean energy market. The new company will be managed by David Piper, a previous employee of Firefly, who has significant technical and sales experience in the sustainable energy sector.

Director Paul R Brooks, said: “This acquisition reinforces our commitment to Powerplus and the Renewables and Clean Tech sector across the globe. Our ambition is to achieve group turnover of more than £50 million - this move bolsters our ability to make that target a reality.

“Governments and companies are increasingly prioritising improvements in air quality by reducing dependence on fossil fuels used in diesel generators. While the USA and Africa are clear targets, closer to home the UK and Scottish Governments are encouraging low-carbon investment and innovation. There are also growth opportunities for the CCL Energy Group with Firefly Hybrid Power products, both in the UK and beyond.”

Firefly Hybrid Power Ltd. will lead future developments in the manufacturing division of the CCL Energy Group. The company will continue to design and build hybrid power systems for a range of applications, across a variety of sectors, to allow consumers to access power when and where it’s needed.

Firefly products will continue to be developed to meet the needs of industrial and rental specifications, while the Powerplus range will provide hybrid power solutions for the fixed installation markets. CCL Energy Group will be able to introduce these products into new markets looking to reduce fuel costs, carbon emissions and improve air quality. Across all divisions, the group will continue to export its products across the world.

Paul R Brooks added: “We aim to continue our investment in the Firefly Hybrid Power business both in the short and long term - adding key employees, improving existing products, and developing new products and services. This will enable us to become the leading supplier of hybrid power solutions.

“High quality products have been at the heart of CCL’s vision since we started nearly 20 years ago. As we grow, this commitment to quality will remain at the forefront of everything we do. Merging Firefly and Powerplus products will change the way people think about energy use in a number of sectors”