Firm spreads light
specialist at working in remote locations where power is difficult to supply or too costly to even consider.
From its factory in Worongary, the tight knit team of just four has built a client list which includes Australia’s Department of Defence, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Careflight, to the governments of remote nations and far flung councils around Australia.
Mr Holliday said the firm operates in some of the harshest environments on the planet, installing aviation lighting at secret air force bases and little-known airfields and lighting up housing for oil refinery workers in PNG. Orion has supplied solar powered lighting solutions for the aviation, defence, marine and transport industries.
“Our focus is very much on commercial grade, off-grid lighting systems, wherever hardwired power is too expensive, unavailable or difficult to access,” Richard Holliday said.
“We’ve found success in markets like the mining industry in often hostile locations, the marine industry providing marine lanterns for coast guards and port authorities, for local governments providing street lighting and in the aviation sector lighting up out-of-the-way runways.”
The $350,000 deal with the Republic of Kiribati to light up its international airport was considered so groundbreaking, government ministers marked it with a special signing ceremony.
Willie Tokataake, the Minister of Information, Communications, Transport and Tourism Development, said the lighting would allow commercial operators to fly out of the airport at night and extend the range for local operators flying from outer islands. It will also improve search and rescue missions.
“Orion Solar’s solution was selected after evaluation on the basis of technical solution, company experience, safety and regulatory compliance, best value for money and balanced risk for both Orion and the Government of Kiribati,” he said.
“The system is expected to be commissioned for operational use in early June.
“Upon successful completion, the project will rank as one of the fastest airfield lighting projects worldwide.”
He said two international airlines now operate from the airport using narrow body single aisle jets. It is also used for military, civil charter and delivery flights.