UK manufacturer deploys energy-saving measures
A new focus on energy saving has helped a manufacturing firm based in the West Midlands, UK, to significantly reduce its power consumption.
Brockhouse Group teamed up with the Manufacturing Advisory Service - West Midlands to explore ways of cutting energy use and lowering expenditure at its main forge in West Bromwich.
As a producer of forged-steel components such as gear shafts and mining equipment, the firm wanted to become more energy efficient by modifying its manufacturing process.
After appointing a specialist company to monitor energy use at the site, Brockhouse achieved initial savings of 35 per cent in some units by adopting a new lighting system.
Managing director John Pickering commented: "As a forgings company, we consume tremendous amounts of energy during the manufacturing process.
"As a result of the measures we have introduced we are already consuming 35 per cent less gas and when the project is completed later in the year we would expect to save 50 per cent each year."
The firm made energy-efficient modifications to the first of its 14 furnaces in August, yielding a 30 per cent reduction in gas consumption.
Brockhouse began life as a spring and axle maker in 1885. The company has been based at its current site for over 120 years.
