Numatic International operates across several buildings within the Millfield industrial estate in Chard
The company behind Britain’s famous Henry vacuum cleaner is planning to install nearly 1,000 solar panels on its factory roof, following the approval of its planning application.
Numatic International operates across several buildings within the Millfield industrial estate at the eastern edge of Chard providing employment for approximately 1,200 local residents.
The firm submitted an application in early July to mount 943 photovoltaic panels on ‘Building 34’, which sits between Millfield and the Tapstone Retail Park (home to the town’s Greggs outlet).
Somerset Council has now granted approval for the panels, meaning they could be fitted and up and running before Christmas.
Building 34 is primarily accessed via Millfield, with its own car park situated a short distance south of a planned 70-bed care home (which received planning permission in May 2024).
The panels are expected to generate around 457kW at peak capacity, spread across a total area of 3,700 sq m.
A spokesperson for SunGift Solar (acting on behalf of Numatic) said: “The proposed solar panel equipment has, as far as practicable, been sited to minimise its effect on the external appearance of the building and the amenity of the area.
“The equipment will be removed as soon as reasonably practicable when no longer needed. The effect of glint and glare are considered to be minimal and localised.”
Numatic obtained approval in March 2025 to construct its own solar farm at the eastern edge of the Millfield industrial estate – adjacent to land safeguarded for part of the long-anticipated Chard eastern relief road (ERR).
This site was initially designated for a research and development facility, but priorities shifted following Numatic’s acquisition and redevelopment of the former Oscar Mayer site within the existing industrial estate.
The Building 34 proposals were granted approval by the council’s planning officers using their delegated powers, rather than through a public decision by its planning committee south (which handles significant applications within the former South Somerset area).
Planning officer Mike Farthing said: “Photovoltaic equipment is increasingly commonplace and other non-domestic buildings across the county have had similar equipment installed for many years.
“The equipment would be seen in the context of the existing building on which they would be installed, as well as the wider established complex.
“The orientation has been considered and overall, it is considered that the photovoltaic equipment, so far as practicable, would be sited so as to minimise its effect on the external appearance of the building.
“It does not sit close to any neighbouring properties which may adversely be impacted by glare from the proposed panels.”




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