Bedford, UK - UK polyurethane moulder Midas Pattern Co. has cut its heat losses by installing a new heating system, an "eco door," and adding baffles to its paint exhaust system, in an effort to cut energy use and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.
Together with local suppliers and the Carbon Trust, the pattern maker and equipment casing specialist has replaced an "antiquated heating system," for its 20 000 sq.ft (1860 sq.m) moulding plant. Midas also installed a rapid rise/fall eco door to ensure that heat losses are minimised when goods are received and dispatched.
Also, all six of its paint booths have had exhaust baffles installed. These operate automatically, ensuring that cold air cannot be drawn back down the chimneys and into the factory, when the booths are not in operation.
Suppliers for the project were Cleanair Ltd of Daventry, who installed two heaters -- a 75 kW Powrmatic NV75 - and a Powermatic VPC52 (52kW), both 92 percent energy efficient -- and Enerco ltd of Liddlington who installed a Delta Speed '7000DynamicRoll' Rapid Eco Door. This works in conjunction with Midas' existing roller shutter door.
Both suppliers "worked with us to present a case to the Carbon Trust who ultimately funded over 60 percent of the total project cost." of £20 000 ($32 000), said Midas. The company is anticipating payback within six months on the door and 24 months on the heating system.
Midas said the results include "significant reduction in gas consumption [which] is clearly beneficial to both our running costs and our ongoing drive to reduce our carbon emissions."
It also hopes that the much enhanced working environment benefits its team of "loyal and hardworking staff."
Midas is expert in using RIM (reaction injection moulding) for high-quality precision polyurethane parts, as well as in all types of pattern, prototype and mould making.
Substantial investment in CAE (computer aided engineering), combines with traditional skills, polyurethane expertise and infrastructure, said the company, so that it has all facilities in-house. A speciality of the company is precision casings and housings for medical equipment, for example.
The privately owned company has annual turnover in excess of £4 million and aims to increase this to £5 million, supported by two factories - a dedicated tool room and an extensive PU moulding facility occupying over 30 000 sq ft, and employing some 85 people.
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