Native Food Packers Limited, trading under the ‘Chippies’ brand, has been in operation for more than half a century and is well known for its various snacks including banana, plantain and breadfruit chips. 

Over the years, the company adjusted its business model to suit the environment and is again making a move in another direction which will see it contribute to the environment by going solar.  

Adrian Grant Jr, managing director of Native Food Packers Ltd, advised that the initiative to go “solar” was geared towards cutting costs, gaining a more competitive edge in the local global market and promoting an eco-friendly environment. 

SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION HAS DECREASED ENERGY COSTS

Grant further advised that CIBC FirstCaribbean has been their bank of choice, starting with his father.

Over the years, CIBC FirstCaribbean has supported the company, providing financial support including the recent solar project with panels installed by Solar Buzz Jamaica (SBJ).

He said that since the installation of the solar panels, energy cost has been decreased by more than 50 per cent and is expected to be reduced even more, which undoubtedly will improve the financial performance of the company and position it for further growth in the future.

CIBC FirstCaribbean is known for its financial strength, prudent management and the structuring and execution of various deals regionally including clean energy across the Caribbean and Latin America.

Annique Dawkins, head of corporate banking, Jamaica, said the bank is focused on supporting lending in diverse segments to facilitate savings and business transformation and was happy to support Native Food Packers Limited with this initiative.  

“The Bank will continue to support its customers who are keen on responding to climate change by adopting green energy sources such as solar and wind-generated power, which do not emit greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming,” she said.

Celebrating the achievements of ‘Chippies’, Jason Robinson, CEO of Solar Buzz, said: “We are a renewable energy company with a focus on educating our clients on how to maximise their overall savings through solar energy and energy efficiency measures. We create detailed commercial proposals for renewable energy projects for presentation to financial institutions who are willing to lend for the purpose of Going Green. CIBC FirstCaribbean has plans to be a leader in financing renewables in Jamaica and Solar Buzz is excited to work with them to achieve this goal.”