Epson Portland Adopts Energy-Saving Measures

Epson Portland, the USA-based manufacturing subsidiary of Japan’s Seiko Epson Corporation has gained a reputation for preserving resources and contributing to the environment. It produces ink cartridges and other items for the USA domestic market. It  implemented innovative measures to save energy while maintaining plant productivity. Epson Portland made an effort to analyze what resources were necessary for the plant operation which resulted in a handful of significant savings.

To guarantee inkjet printer cartridge quality to meet customer demands requires a clean room environment. After studying the 15 hourly air changes supplied by the two existing supply fans, two return fans and two cooling units, Epson Portland discovered that it would be sufficient to deliver 7.5 air changes per hour from one unit each of the same equipment. This effort resulted in an annual saving of 235 tons of CO?

Further, the firm halved the number of vacuum pumps and reduced the amount of compressed air used in the plant, saving 156 and 66 tons of CO?nbsp;per year, respectively. Epson Portland also implemented a semi-annual compressed air audit to identify and minimize wasted energy from air leaks.

Dave Graham, President of Epson Portland, said, “I am determined to make Epson Portland into a center of manufacturing excellence within the Epson Group. This means using automation and technical skills to maximize the benefit from limited resources and adding unique USA values to Epson’s long tradition of expertise in manufacturing.”

Moreover, Epson Portland’s efforts extend beyond the plant’s scope. Indeed, they are making every effort to be responsible, including becoming an enthusiastic participant in the Clean Wind Power program promoted by Portland General Electric. That project saves 1,658 tons of CO?nbsp;per year provided Epson Portland only purchases energy generated by wind farms.