Ludgate Environmental Fund has invested GBP730,000 into 10,000,000 ordinary shares of Hightex Group, equivalent to 5.3 per cent of its issued share capital.

Hightex is one of only two companies operating internationally to design and install large area membrane roofs and façades.

It uses environmentally friendly materials and innovative coatings which help reduce energy costs.
 
Ludgate Environmental Fund will work with Hightex to help realise the potential of SolarNext, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hightex. SolarNext has developed a solar cooling system in kit form, able to be retro-fitted to many kinds of structures, managed by a controller which can manage multiple input sources to deliver optimum efficiency. Over 30 solar cooling systems have been sold, ranging from residential to medium-sized commercial applications.
 
Other examples of Hightex’s energy efficient projects include the passenger concourse of the Bangkok International Airport in Thailand and the Dolce Vita Shopping Mall in Lisbon, Portugal.

Nick Pople (pictured), director of Ludgate Investments, says: “We are pleased to be investing in a leading green building company. Buildings represent more than 20 per cent of global energy use and Hightex membranes can reduce that burden significantly. Furthermore, we look forward to working with Hightex to expand the activities of SolarNext.”
 
Charles DesForges, executive chairman of Hightex, adds: “I am delighted to announce the investment by Ludgate Environmental Fund. Over the past year, Hightex has completed world class projects, returned to profitability and won significant contracts that give the company a record order book and already secure the market forecasts for revenues in 2010.”