For Immediate Release
February 23, 2004. Plymouth, WI – Orion Energy Systems announced today that it has completed a major energy efficient lighting project for 640,000 square feet of manufacturing facilities for McNeilus Companies Inc., a leading manufacturer of concrete mixers and refuse collection bodies based in Dodge Center, Minn. This energy efficiency project is expected to result in an environmental benefit as a result of reduced air emissions due to a decrease in fossil fuel usage by McNeilus’ electrical utility provider.
Orion expects that McNeilus will be able to reduce its electricity demand by 3.2 million kilowatt hours (kWh) annually. That equates to more than 63 million kWh over the 20-year sustainable life of the lighting fixtures. According to the EPA, 3.2 million kWh is equivalent to the annual energy demand of 300 single-family homes or a bedroom community of over 1,350 people.
“It was a project that was good for business, good for the environment, and good for McNeilus’ employees,” stated Neal Verfuerth, president of Orion Energy Systems.
“By saving 3.2 million kWh per year, McNeilus will be able to recover its investment in energy efficient lighting within about two years,” said Tracy Timmerman, Vice President – Operations for McNeilus. “Just as importantly, our employees really seem to like the brighter work environment, and there are potential benefits for safety as well,” continued Timmerman.
As an emerging Wisconsin company, Orion Energy Systems has received the prestigious Spirit of Ecology Award at the 32nd Annual Governor’s New Product Award Program for the Illuminator. More recently, Orion received the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Grand Award for the Emerging Growth category by the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce and the Wisconsin Business Friend of the Environment Award. In addition, Orion was chosen as a “Success Story” for the 2002 Governor’s Summit on Capital.
About Orion
Orion Energy Systems has been innovating in the energy business since 1996. The company recently won the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Grand Award in the Emerging Growth category, given by the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce Association, the Wisconsin Business Friend of the Environment Award, was chosen as a “Success Story” for the 2002 Governor’s Summit on Capital, and owns numerous patents.
Orion is an energy systems company, which manufactures and markets energy efficient lighting solutions for the manufacturing, distribution center, warehousing, commercial, school, and gymnasium market. Orion provides capacity displacement solutions for supply side management, transmission management, and demand side management for the electricity industry. For more information, visit the web site at www.oriones.com.
Contact:
Orion Energy Systems – Stephen Heins, VP of Corporate Communications at 920-892-9340, ext.226
The McNeilus Companies-Kirsten Skyba, VP-Communications, 920.233.9621
