Caster manufacturer partners with energy company to save energy usage, costs

January 1, 2010

Situation

In fall 2008 Colson Caster Corp. of Jonesboro, Ark., saw layoffs and company closures begin to hit local businesses and its own customers nationwide.

The company, a manufacturer of standard and custom application caster and wheel products, decided to take a proactive approach to cutting energy usage and expenses.

Resolution

The manufacturer collaborated with its energy partner in Jonesboro, City Water and Light, to start an energy-savings program nicknamed “Yes, We Can!” As a result, Colson made a simple change that has had ripple effects throughout the facility and the company.

The operations team had Arkansas Industrial Machinery replace an aging and overpowered air processing unit. A representative from AR Industrial Machinery assisted the Yes, We Can! team by performing multiple on-site tests to determine the most efficient requirements needed in a new air compressor and dryer and made the final recommendation of an Atlas Copco compressor for a replacement.

A year later this single initiative has resulted in a 25 percent annual energy savings; a savings of $2,000 per year in repair costs; a three-year ROI; a safer working environment because of the enclosed design, unit nonemissions, and lowered decibel level; and 700 fewer gallons per year of nonbiodegradable oil needing energy-expensive treatment.

Since that change Colson employees have begun implementing energy- and money-saving changes at every level of operation, from using recycled paper products for packing and printing to monitoring lights and electronics in unoccupied areas.

Colson Caster Corp., 3700 Airport Road, Jonesboro, AR 72401, 800-643-5515, www.colsoncaster.com