The Balfurd Linen & Uniform company in Blair County provides linen and uniform rental service to restaurant, health care, facility management and manufacturing professionals.

Wanting to find ways to save money and positively impact its bottom line, the company and controller Mike Weaver was referred to Penn State’s Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP)  by Altoona Blair County Development Corporation.

After the referral by ABCD Corporation, PennTAP scheduled a video conference call with the company where PennTAP and the company discussed potential projects and project funding sources that could help its bottom line.

During PennTAP’s site tour of the facility, led by PennTAP advisor Amy Jorden, infrared photos were taken, maintenance practices and logs were discussed, and video was captured of multiple processes to learn more about the company’s operations.

Based on information obtained during this visit and in subsequent discussions, PennTAP focused on the current dryer system and the proposed replacement dryer system, as it could be eligible for a United States Department of AgricultureRural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant.

PennTAP then assisted with completion of the REAP grant application and Act 129 rebates for the dryer system replacement.

This project provided several benefits to Balfurd Linen & Uniform:

-- The proposed upgrades are expected to save the company 275,107 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year, equivalent to $37,661 annually. The upgrades are also expected to save the company 3,040 million British thermal units (MMBtu) of natural gas per year, equivalent to $16,969 annually. Total projected annual energy cost savings are $54,630.

-- PennTAP also helped Balfurd Linen & Uniform obtain a USDA REAP grant of $182,976 as well as additional Act 129 Rebates.

Currently, Balfurd Linen & Uniform is working with PennTAP as it’s looking to upgrade to a new tunnel washer in the company’s Tipton Plant.

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[Posted: September 28, 2023]

10/2/2023