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Ford invests more than $25 million to install LED lighting at
manufacturing facilities in North America and across the globe –
saving energy and money while improving safety and lighting quality
for employees
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25,000 new LED fixtures installed globally by the end of 2014 will
reduce energy use by 56 million kilowatt-hours annually – enough to
power more than 6,000 average-sized homes per year
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Project launched late last month with installation at Dearborn Truck
Plant, where the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 will be assembled beginning
later this year
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Ford plans to convert most facility lighting systems to LED over the
next few years
Company Website:
http://corporate.ford.com/
DEARBORN, Mich. -- (Business Wire)
Ford Motor Company is investing in the future as it begins installing
LED lighting at manufacturing facilities across the globe. The new
lights, valued at more than $25 million, will save energy and money
while improving safety and lighting quality.
Ford Motor Company is investing in the future as it begins installing LED lighting at manufacturing facilities across the globe. The new lights, valued at more than $25 million, will save energy and money while improving safety and lighting quality. (Photo: Business Wire)
The 25,000 new LED fixtures will replace traditional high-intensity
discharge and fluorescent lights, and are expected to reduce Ford’s
energy use at manufacturing facilities by 56 million kilowatt-hours
annually – enough to power more than 6,000 average-sized homes per year.
That equates to an up to 70 percent reduction in lighting energy
consumption compared to traditional technologies. Annual energy costs
are expected to be reduced by approximately $7 million.
The need for maintenance will diminish, as LED lighting has a 15-year
life expectancy. Studies show LED light output remains steady at less
than 1 percent degradation per year over the life of the equipment,
while fluorescent and HID fixtures require re-lamping in as little as
two years. LED lights improve safety by eliminating hazardous materials
in fixtures and lowering fire risks. At the same time, the technology
provides a brighter work area, better uniformity and improved color
perception, resulting in a better quality of light for plant employees.
"We are extremely pleased to install this leading-edge technology in our
manufacturing facilities worldwide,” said John Fleming, executive vice
president, Global Manufacturing and Labor Affairs. “This is a long term
investment in our future that highlights our aggressive approach to lead
in environmental improvements and achieve operating efficiencies.”
In 2011, Ford embarked on an aggressive program to lower its energy use
25 percent per vehicle produced at its facilities by 2016. The company
is well on its way toward meeting that goal, having achieved a 20
percent energy efficiency already, explained George Andraos, director of
energy and sustainability at Ford Land. The switch to LED lighting helps
to ensure Ford will meet its target.
“Moving to LED gives us impressive efficiency improvement,” said
Andraos. “Ford worked closely with its scientists and suppliers to
investigate and closely follow the rapid development of LED lighting. In
2013, we selected Dialight, a leading LED industrial fixture
manufacturer with a global footprint, to develop light fixtures that
meet Ford’s global needs.”
Work began at Dearborn Truck Plant late last month to replace worn and
outdated overhead lighting. The LED replacement program will continue
through the year at 17 other Ford manufacturing facilities across the
globe, including Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky; Livonia
Transmission Plant in Livonia, Michigan; Dearborn Stamping Plant; Essex
Engine in Windsor, Ontario; Dagenham Engine Plant in Dagenham, England;
and Oakville Assembly in Oakville, Ontario.
“Ford has a deep commitment to the environment,” said Donna Inch,
chairman and CEO of Ford Land. “By creating outstanding products,
investing in the facilities where our employees work, and using such
technology as LED lighting, we are helping to promote a sustainable
future.”
Recently, Ford also announced that it will work with DTE Energy to
install Michigan’s largest solar carport at its Dearborn world
headquarters. When completed in early 2015, the project is expected to
generate 1.3 million kilowatt-hours annually, enough energy to power 159
average-sized homes for a year.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford
Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in
Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six
continents. With about 186,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the
company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company
provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more
information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.
About Ford Land
Ford Land is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company and a
full-service provider of real estate, construction and facility
services. Formed in 1970 to develop 2,360 acres of land surrounding
Ford’s world headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, Ford Land
master-planned and developed the Fairlane community. Fairlane is
characterized by its preservation of the environment, award-winning
architecture and full complement of dining, retail, hospitality and
recreational amenities. One of the largest commercial landlords in
southeast Michigan, Ford Land owns more than five million square feet of
commercial office space in Dearborn and Allen Park, Michigan.
For news releases, related materials and high-resolution photos and
video, visit www.media.ford.com.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20140929005119/en/
Contacts:
Ford Motor Company
John Cangany, 313.317.7691
jcangany@ford.com
Source: Ford Motor Company
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