Contact Industries countered the hard-hit construction market with a successful energy-savings plan that leveraged Energy Trust incentives and services to reduce energy consumption at its Prineville plant.

The engineered wood products manufacturer focused on equipment improvements, Strategic Energy Management and operations and maintenance. A new sawdust collection system with high-efficiency motors reduced the company’s energy needs by 57 percent. With coaching from Energy Trust, employees are keeping the savings constant. “Turning off lights and not letting machinery idle are all no- and low-cost behavioral changes that lead to savings over time,” said Don Siemsen, continuous improvement manager.