Martin Automatic, the global supplier of splicing and rewinding systems, has invested in renewable energy at its headquarters in Rockford, Illinois, powering its manufacturing centre.
According to the company, the solar panel initiative had been under evaluation for several years culminating in roof modifications on its 170,000sqft facility with a white silicone reflective coating being applied. A total of 2800 solar panels have been installed in three different fixed planes as part of the 1.2-megawatt system, positioned to harness light from the sun most efficiently. This installation is an addition to energy-efficient LED lighting installations in the factory and offices, as well as high-end automated machining centres and streamlined IT systems. These all contribute to Martin Automatic generating less waste, creating savings and functioning in a more environmentally-friendly manner.
Martin Automatic CFO Jonathan Bauch said, ‘The renewable energy aspect is significant. We looked at this project as we do other capital outlays to be sure it would give us a return on our investment that would make us more efficient and positioned for greater success.’
Full functional by late spring last year, the initial results indicate savings greater than were originally projected, with the company reporting a reduction in electricity costs of more than 75% from the same period last year. Excess electricity generated from the panels is returned to the local power company as part of a net metering programme to offset costs during cloudier periods.
