When it comes to automotive manufacturing, Michigan is leading the way. With 1,772 motor vehicle parts and motor vehicle manufacturing facilities, the state of Michigan is responsible for 19.4 percent of all U.S. vehicle production. To maintain their edge as a global leader in the field of automotive manufacturing, companies need to continue to find ways to maximize productivity and cut costs. One way to achieve this is by boosting your company's energy efficiency.
Invest in HVAC and compressed air improvements
Automotive manufacturing companies can reduce their operation and maintenance (O&M) costs by improving their existing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and compressed air systems. To start, car makers should consider replacing their indirect gas furnaces with new direct-fired heaters. As direct-fired heaters convert nearly 100 percent of their fuel to heat, they are considerably more energy-efficient than old indirect heating systems. Direct-fire furnaces also don’t overheat steam boilers, reducing boiler failure and safety risks that can come with them.
Similarly, an energy audit of a motor vehicle factory’s compressed air system can identify ways to cut down on O&M costs. Replacing worn-out waste-heat recovery systems, inefficient air dryers, and outdated pneumatic air tools will optimize the function of your existing compressed air system. With optimized pressure and airflow through all your pneumatic devices, your plant’s compressed air system will run at high-efficiency, which can significantly reduce your energy costs. Consequently, critical machinery such as rotary valve and slide gate actuators will improve their performance while sustaining a longer life, also resulting in an increase in production throughput and a lower scrap rate.
Upgrade to LED lighting
Michigan automotive manufacturing facilities owners can optimize their profitability by installing new LED lighting. With the increased visibility provided by LED bulbs, workers can more readily identify problems in the manufacturing line. Consequently, manufacturers will enjoy improved quality control by reducing the number of defective parts by 1 to 5 percent annually.
Upgrading to LED lighting can also improve worker safety. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Management found that the white light produced by LEDs reduces fatigue and can improve employee alertness by five times. As workplace injuries and illnesses cost the U.S. industry over $250 billion annually, manufacturers can enjoy a significant boost in productivity by making this one change. Additionally, by replacing halogen, CFL, and incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs, automotive manufacturers can receive a meaningful reduction in their electricity bills. Utility companies, such as Consumers Energy, are currently making the upgrading process even more appealing to Michigan-based businesses by offering significant rebates on LED upgrades to their qualifying customers.
Business owners have added incentive to modernize their facilities systems as Consumers Energy offers rebates on both HVAC upgrades and compressed air energy audits.
Saving energy saves your business money. Discover the many ways your business can save. For more tips or to get started on an energy efficiency project visit Consumers Energy.
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