Plastics Molding Company Uses Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency to Bolster Reliable Production

Harbec Plastics, Inc., located in Ontario, New York, has had a longstanding commitment to manufacturing efficiency and clean operations. Harbec’s owner and CEO, Bob Bechtold, has initiated a comprehensive energy strategy within his facility, incorporating energy projects of all sizes. 

In the summer of 2001, Harbec installed a 750kW natural gas combined heat and power (CHP) system to provide ample electric power, heating, and cooling for his entire 40,000 ft2 facility. Then, in December of 2002, Harbec supplemented his CHP system with a 250kW wind turbine capitalizing on the consistent winds off of Lake Ontario. Together, the CHP systems and the wind turbine are capable of meeting 100 percent of Harbec’s energy demands with excess capacity for growth. 

In addition, from 2005 to 2008, Harbec Plastics installed a series of energy efficiency improvements that reduced the company’s gross energy consumption by 35 percent, saving nearly 1.25 million kWh compared with the 2005 baseline – all while increasing both sales and profits. By augmenting clean power generation with energy efficiency strategies, Harbec has significantly improved its productivity and enhanced its competitiveness, while effectively controlling costs.