Automotive components producer Meritor Inc. has been awarded $200,000 to install environmentally friendly lighting at its Heath, OH, operation. The money will come from two sources, the Ohio Department of Development’s Office of Energy and American Electric Power Ohio, an electric utility.
"At Meritor, we consider sustainability an economic, social and environmental requirement for success," state Meritor v.p. for Environmental Health, Safety, and Facility Services Richard Hanlon. "Our efforts focus on social responsibility, innovative product and process design and operational excellence in safety and environmental protection.
“Meritor has established long-term sustainability goals that include reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption,” Hanlon continued. “The collaboration between our Heath facility and federal, state and local officials is an excellent example of this commitment."
Meritor manufactures drivetrain systems and components, braking and suspension systems, and aftermarket products for commercial vehicle and industrial markets. The Heath plant produces axles for municipal coaches and buses, and specialty axles, too.
The Ohio Dept. of Development's Office of Energy awarded $128,000 as a 50% match for a project to install 1,200 energy-efficient lighting fixtures, money supplied via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and sourced through the agency’s Energy Efficiency Program for Manufacturers. The grant was initiated in February 2011.
"Meritor's lighting upgrade is a great example of how Ohio's manufacturing facilities can utilize the Energy Efficiency Program for Manufacturers to reduce energy usage and improve efficiency," stated Chad Smith, deputy chief of the Office of Energy at the Ohio Dept. of Development. "We believe that energy efficiency among manufacturers allows Ohio to maximize its resources, and in the long-term create an environment for job creation as well as cost effective energy resources for Ohio businesses, communities and residents."
The second award totaled $72,000 and was provided through AEP Ohio’s energy-saving rebate program, and relates to the annual electricity savings of 1,522,000 kilowatt hours anticipated from Meritor’s installation of 2,383 high-efficiency lighting fixtures over a 36-month period.
"We appreciate the hard work from all of the employees involved in this project," said Mike Deep, the Heath plant manager. "Everyone wins through sustainable practices such as reducing energy consumption. The facility benefits from the significant savings achieved while simultaneously reducing the environmental impact."
