Going Green Can Pay
“Going Green,” “Reducing Your Carbon Footprint,” “Energy Savings, “Recyclable Materials,” “Global Warming.” The list goes on and on.
In this issue of Springs, we have focused and devoted our attention to Energy and The Spring Industry. Not only are we having to deal with the struggles in the national economy and manufacturing markets, we have to factor in unprecedented price increases in raw materials, electricity, natural gas, and oil. Energy not only powers our factories, but it is used to manufacture and transport our products. The continued changes to our internal cost structures must constantly be adapted so our pricing models remain competitive.
Many SMI Member companies have implemented cost reducing strategies to not only reduce their carbon emissions and energy consumption, but also to save operating expenditures. While a 40 hour work week remains the norm, some companies are looking at implementing a four day x 10 hours a day work week. This allows employees to save transportation costs to work, allows the company to save on a large percentage of electrical and other daily startup costs, and allows most employees a three day weekend.
Another “green” idea that is practically commonplace is the use of electronic correspondence and the reduction of paper in the workplace. Sales orders, blueprints, work instructions, paychecks, etc. have all been replaced by electronic data transfers. I’m sure there is a lot of “old school” thinking against this idea, but the elimination of paper and its contribution to improving the environment and saving a few trees along the way certainly helps.
As the summer of 2008 has passed, this fall brings the Chicago Association of Spring Manufacturers (CASMI) “Spring World 2008” Product show (and hopefully a World Series with either the Cubs or White Sox). Many of the world’s springmaking and wire forming equipment manufacturers will display their latest and greatest technological machinery.
We are all fascinated and intrigued by what the spring coiling and wire forming equipment can do today as compared to what machines were capable of doing five, ten, or even 30 years ago. But we must recognize the cost of operating every single piece of equipment has an energy consumption factor and how this impacts our internal and external operations. Please keep this in mind and enjoy this Fall edition of Springs Magazine and CASMI Spring World 2008.
As Kermit the Frog famously sang, “It’s not easy being green.” Though it may be painful for some, for those SMI members who chose to “go green” it’s a move that can help the environment and can even have a positive impact on your bottom line.
From Reb Banas
