For Bathroom Bizarre, this transition to solar power was not just about cost-cutting: it was a strategic move towards environmental responsibility. "We're a leading producer and retailer of sanitaryware in South Africa," says Bathroom Bizarre MD, Dudley Turner.

"This investment in renewable energy meets both our profitability and our ethical objectives," Turner adds.

Jason Hoggan, Business Development Head at Fibon, recalls how the partnership began. Hoggan says, "Dudley is one of the most forward-thinking businesspeople I've met. When we started discussing the energy needs of the business, it was clear that this was about more than just savings: there was a genuine commitment to sustainability, too."

Bathroom Bizarre says that it had recently consolidated its manufacturing and distribution operations at a 55 000m2 facility in Meyerton, south of Johannesburg.

"The move came with significant energy demand," Turner says. "This demand, compounded by unreliable grid power supply, made running diesel generators a necessity. But running generators was expensive. Also, noise pollution and emissions made it clear that the generators had to go or at least had to be replaced most of the time by something kinder to the planet, to the pocket and to the ears."

Hoggan says, "We spent a lot of time working with Dudley and the Bathroom Bizarre team to construct a financial model that made sense. Fibon is not a bank. But finance is part of the Fibon suite of services. The finance component of the Fibon offering means our clients can access funding within 10 days, instead of the months it might take otherwise."

After analysing historical electricity consumption and future expansion plans, Fibon says that it engineered a solar power system that integrated with the company's existing grid to meet power supply needs.

Now up and running, the system offsets nearly half a million kilowatt-hours a year. This shift has led to savings on electricity and diesel costs while reducing the carbon footprint of Bathroom Bizarre, Fibon adds.

"That's energy that isn't generated from fossil fuels," Hoggan says. "It's a tangible, meaningful outcome for the business and our planet."

Fibon says that it remains actively involved in optimising performance of the Bathroom Bizarre system.

"Because we structured this as a long-term partnership, we have a vested interest in ensuring the system operates at peak efficiency," Hoggan adds. "If it doesn't perform, we don't get paid, and Bathroom Bizarre won't meet its savings targets."

By securing reliable and affordable power, Bathroom Bizarre says that it can continue its production without disruption, supporting jobs and driving economic activity. The benefits extend beyond the company: suppliers, employees and local businesses all gain from the stability provided by a secure energy source.

"You can't grow an economy without energy," Hoggan states. "The more private businesses step in to solve these problems, the faster we can drive job creation and investment."

For Turner, Bathroom Bizarre's move to energy sustainability is as sweet for its customers as it is the company. “With our products now being produced using renewable energy, that luxurious soak so many of us enjoy after a long day need never again be a guilty pleasure," Turner concludes.

For more information, visit www.fibon.co.za. You can also follow Fibon on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor