A company specialising in the manufacture, design and supply of energy-efficient heating is to launch a new system at their head office next week.

Invisible Heating Systems (IHS), based in Ullapool, Wester Ross will launch and install the first Road Energy System in the UK, on Wednesday 21st June.

The system takes advantage of the heat-absorption capacity of tarmac to convert roads and driveways into giant solar panels created by energy stored in the ground.  Thermal energy is then produced and is used to cool buildings, houses and roads in summer and heat them in winter.

It has huge environmental benefits, cutting CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent, compared to conventional heating systems.  It also means saving on the use of salt on icy roads, lowering the environmental impact of salt.

Invisible Heating Systems (IHS) was founded in 1995 by Henk Verweijmeren and Liz Stewart.  The company began purchasing underfloor heating systems from Holland and then adapted these to suit the building methods in the UK.

In Holland, where the system has been designed in consultation with IHS, it has been calculated that if an entire road system was converted to road energy, there would be no requirement for further energy for house heating.

Over the years, the company has developed its own brand and now markets and sells these across Europe.  From Ullapool the company designs and supplies energy-efficient heating systems including geothermal, solar and wind energy.

IHS has recently moved into a new building at Morefield Industrial Estate, Ullapool.  A grant of £125,000 was awarded to the company from HIE Skye and Wester Ross to help with the construction costs.  Twenty five people are now employed and the company is going from strength to strength after celebrating ten years of successful business.

The company has recently opened up a new office near Birmingham.  Liz Stewart of IHS commented:  "We are delighted to be installing the first ever heating system of its kind here in Wester Ross.  Even though we have proved that it is possible to set up a business so far north, we feel that a physical presence further south will enhance our company and guarantee our continued success in Wester Ross.  We've come a long way and we are confident that we are doing something right."

Robert Muir, chief executive of HIE Skye and Wester Ross said:  "It's great that IHS can operate out of Ullapool - creating jobs for so many local people.  Liz and Henk's knowledge and expertise ensures that we maximise the potential of renewable energy projects of this kind.  I am delighted that they are so strongly committed to their Wester Ross base, and having recently visited their new premises, I am looking forward to working with them on their future plans."

For further information, contact Henk Verweijmeren or Liz Stewart at Invisible Heating on tel: 01854 613161.