Highlands and Islands Enterprise
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Case study

Ri Cruden

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Building the future: Ri Cruden’s new green workshop

Ri Cruden is a family business with a focus on people and planet. Established by their father Ian Cruden in 2005 and now led by brothers Rory and Callum, the Inverness firm firm takes care of the design, installation and ongoing maintenance of all sorts of renewable systems, from solar PV and battery storage to EV charging and heat pumps – helping commercial and domestic clients across Scotland on their journey to net zero.

Modernising for efficiency

In 2024, the company moved into new premises in Inverness, creating a renewable energy hub with a showroom open to the public. Their latest project goes a step further - transforming warehouse space into a cutting-edge workshop for off-site fabrication. And importantly, given the businesses award winning commitment to apprentices – the perfect training base.

The new facility includes:

  • A vertical carousel machine that maximises space and efficiency
  • A robot welding machine, bandsaw, and workbenches
  • Energy-saving systems powered by on-site solar and battery storage

The result? A safer, more efficient environment that increases capacity while lowering energy use and costs.

Training the next generation

With over a quarter of its workforce made up of apprentices, the new workshop provides a controlled space for apprentices , including those under 18, to learn and work safely without the restrictions of site-based projects.

This focus on skills ensures the Highlands continues to develop home-grown talent in a rapidly growing sector.

This project brings together everything we value – innovation, sustainability, and investing in people. It’s a huge step forward for our business, but also for the community and the environment.

Rory Cruden, managing director, Ri Cruden
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Innovation and sustainability go hand in hand

By modernising operations, Ri Cruden is improving workflow and productivity while reducing its carbon footprint. Off-site fabrication allows more work to be prepared in advance, cutting down on travel to sites and reducing emissions.

Having supported the business’s move to the site HIE has also provided up to £77,805 to help Ri Cruden with the workshop which will strengthen its ability to deliver on net zero ambitions.

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Ri Cruden in action

Ri Cruden were part of the team which built the Life Sciences Innovation Centre for HIE and the UHI at Inverness Campus. 

Read more about the project

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