Metlab Potero, Montgomery County, realized a savings of $185,000 including an increase in production in the three years since implementing energy saving and waste reduction projects.

The company received a $35,700 loan from the Small Business Pollution Prevention Assistance Account to install a new high-efficiency compressed air system to replace their inefficient system. The system has helped the business save money by reducing the amount of lubricating oil used, the amount of oily condensate waste generated as well the amount of electricity consumed.

Metlab Portero uses heat treatment to change the characteristics of metals, for example hardening them.

During the last three years, Metlab has reported saving 2,200 gallons of lubricating oil, 40,000 gallons of oily condensate and 1,016,400 kilowatts of electricity. In addition, the company has reported lower maintenance costs, reduced labor costs as well as lower waste disposal costs.

The company has realized a savings of $185,000.00 including an increase in production in the three years since implementing their project.

The company has achieved its projected payback timeframe and the savings have already paid for the cost of the project. This was the first of two projects that were financed through the loan program by Metlab. The first project involved the installation of a new cooling water collection and recovery system.

For more information, visit DEP's Small Business Pollution Prevention Assistance Account webpage or contact Gene DelVecchio at 717-772-8951 or send e-mail to: gdelvecchi@state.pa.us .

10/19/2007