Petrel supplies hazardous-area lighting for L’Oréal Auckland dangerous goods facility

by Featured NewsLightingProjects

Petrel case study on L’Oréal’s Auckland dangerous goods store

Auckland’s new L’Oréal distribution centre includes a Dangerous Goods Store designed for a Zone 2 hazardous environment and completed in November 2025.

Petrel has published a case study outlining the lighting solution delivered for the facility through Electrical Consulting Services working with Techlight.

The project team included developer James Kirkpatrick Group and architect Gravitas Consulting.

Waide Commercial Construction served as the builder and Electrical Consulting Services acted as electrical and lighting consultant.

Electrical Consulting Services selected Petrel to provide the hazardous-area lighting for the Zone 2 environment.

Zone 2 lighting and emergency provision

The Dangerous Goods Store is classified as Zone 2, defined as an environment where explosive gas atmospheres are not expected during normal operation and, if present, exist only for a short period.

A total of 73 Petrel ALED4/G/Z2/156E luminaires were installed as high-bay fittings to illuminate aisles and open warehouse areas.

These luminaires are designed for hazardous locations and provide ingress protection and compliance for Zone 2 applications.

Emergency lighting within the facility includes 12 Petrel 9LED5700/EM units installed across aisles and open areas.

Stuart Head, Technical and Certification Manager at Petrel, said: “Lighting is central to Green Star performance, influencing energy use, operational carbon and overall environmental quality.

“By combining high-performance LEDs with precise optical control, the L’Oréal Dangerous Goods Store achieves lower emissions, reduced energy demand and safer working conditions.

“Petrel is proud to have supported the delivery of this award-winning outcome.”

Green Star rating and project collaboration

The distribution centre has achieved New Zealand’s first 6-Star Green Star Design Certified rating from the New Zealand Green Building Council.

The rating recognises the facility’s sustainable design approach across the wider project.

The lighting design formed part of the overall facility specification, with coordination between the project team and delivery partners during development.

Pierre Abrahamse, National Sales Manager at Techlight, said: “The L’Oréal Dangerous Goods Store project sets a new benchmark, demonstrating how specialist lighting capability can drive both operational excellence and environmental leadership.

“Credit goes to the team at Petrel for their skill, commitment and genuine passion for the sector.”

The Auckland facility brings together hazardous-area lighting and energy-focused building design within the same distribution centre.

Hazardous area lighting maker Petrel reaches West Midlands investment shortlist

by Featured NewsLighting

Lighting specialist Petrel shortlisted for investment award

Petrel, a Birmingham-based specialist in hazardous area lighting, has been shortlisted in the Investment category at the West Midlands Business of the Year Awards 2026, with winners due to be announced on 26 February 2026.

Petrel said it has been shortlisted to a final group of three after a judging process.

The black-tie awards ceremony will take place on 26 February 2026 in the West Midlands.

Petrel was founded in the 1930s and has operated under the Petrel brand since 1984.

The company manufactures ATEX, UKCA and IECEx-certified lighting solutions for hazardous and industrial environments.

Petrel operates from a 3,650 sqm manufacturing facility in Birmingham.

Its work covers end-to-end design, engineering, testing and production for sectors including renewables, chemical processing, distilleries, manufacturing and heavy industry.

Investment programme and manufacturing footprint

Petrel said the nomination follows a period of investment after it became part of Pioneer Safety Group (PSG) in early 2024.

Phase one of the programme included refurbishment of its Birmingham site and upgrades to IT and supply chain infrastructure.

The company also expanded its research and development and testing capability.

Investment extended to staff benefits, wellbeing initiatives and clearer progression pathways.

Petrel said these changes have improved productivity, reduced lead times and supported plans for growth in the UK and international markets.

Pemberton said: “We’re incredibly proud to be recognised alongside such respected organisations and to represent the strength of advanced manufacturing in the West Midlands.”

Petrel named the other nominees in the category as Debrett’s and Likewise Group.

Further information about its hazardous area lighting portfolio is available at https://www.petrel-ex.co.uk/

Petrel now goes forward to the February awards alongside two other shortlisted organisations.