OIT Times: Building in Energy Efficiency from "the Ground Up"

September 21, 2000

Cargill Dow recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new polylactic acid manufacturing plant in Blair, NE, the biggest single business investment in the state history. This facility will be the first global-scale factory of its kind for turning plant-derived materials into industrial chemicals and products. NE Governor Mike Johanns, and Jim Stoppert, head of the joint venture, participated. In her remarks, OIT Denise Swink encouraged Cargill Dow to incorporate world-class energy efficiency technologies and practices in its plant, quite literally from the foundation up.

OIT Agriculture and Chemical Teams have brought on board a retired executive to help improve awareness about the many products, services and integrated partnership opportunities available from OIT to help improve energy efficiency in both industries.

Pendleton Flour Mill in Pendleton, OR (one of the winners of the team first R&D solicitation in FY 9) recently underwent a thorough Industrial Assessment Center efficiency audit. This will support the firm plan to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.