Hy-Ten Plastic, Inc.

Going Green Matters!

Short of owning a power plant, producing electricity can be an onerous task…But what if, by changing the way your business operates, you discovered ways to significantly cut back on the energy you did use?

Hy-Ten Plastics did just that, and was recently recognized as a Northeast Business Leader for Energy Efficiency at the 2009 Northeast Energy Efficiency Summit in Albany, NY. The program was hosted by Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) to celebrate companies that demonstrated a “commitment to implementing energy efficiency solutions that maximize savings, promote growth, enhance the competitive edge, streamline processes, update technologies, and minimize environmental impacts.” Each of the award winners was also highlighted in a short video.

In addition to investing in NIIGATA electric injection molding machines (rather than the less energy-efficient hydraulic machines), Hy-Ten Plastics also upgraded its lighting systems, installed NEMA premium efficiency motors, installed variable frequency drives on motors, installed an innovative resin drying system that uses compressed air rather than electric resistance heat, and replaced its plant air compressor with a rotary screw machine with a variable-frequency drive. More than $214,000 in rebates from PSNH helped pay for the renovation.

“We basically reinvented ourselves with the mentality ‘go green,’” said Udo Fritsch, Hy-Ten’s CEO. “And what we learned about ‘green’ is that if more people take that seriously, it turns to profit.” Despite the rise in fuel costs, the combined impact of these measures has saved the company more than 65 percent on their annual energy costs.

Hy-Ten President Franz Fritsch believes that going green is an opportunity for the manufacturing sector, but he stressed the importance of dedication. “This isn’t something you can just do for two to three months; you have to be committed rain or shine, year after year. Our commitment to energy efficiency has gone on for five to six years, and we’ve had a wonderful partnership working with PSNH.”