January 27, 2021

Many companies are looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint and Caster Concepts is no exception.

One practice that has been in play for a long time is our remolding process. Polyurethane wheels can offer a durable, ergonomic and efficient tread to any heavy-duty caster – but the rigors of daily use can eventually take its toll and breaks down the polyurethane compound.

Reaction Industries, one of the companies under Caster Concepts, has the capabilities to remold a new tire onto an existing core, and it is all done in house. This process extends the useful life of “added value” cores, such as a specially machined or an extra heavy-duty core.

Vapor Degreaser

For 2022, a new Vapor Degreaser was installed at Caster Concepts.  It’s used for cleaning wheel cores after they have been blasted and prior to a bonding agent being applied.  Vapor Degreasing has been around for years and is considered the premier way to clean parts. Initially, however, this technology incorporated chemicals in the cleaning process that were harsh and not environmentally friendly.  In recent years as fluid technology has grown, the chemicals used are increasingly easier to handle and far less volatile, making them better for the operator and environment.

Let there be (energy-efficient) light.

 

In day-to-day operations, Caster Concepts also replaced all the HI-BAY lighting in the main building including the factory floor, engineering areas, and office spaces. It was a total of 94 fixtures which completed the CCI plant LED conversion. Two other Caster Concept Companies, The Machine Center and Albion Machine & Tool, have also been converted to LED lighting. This not only offers more energy-efficient lighting but also offers a brighter, safer environment.

Another project involved installing a new 1040-gallon air tank in the back of Caster Concepts’ main facility. The tank reduces the up and down pressure spike of the compressed air and retains more volume. This takes the tank longer to dissipate, a benefit that helps reduce the amount of electricity needed to run the compressor.

If you’re looking for ways to save, Consumers Energy put together a guide of more than 100 things you can do to make your home more energy efficient, without sacrificing a comfortable lifestyle.