Ontario Construction News staff writer
North American Steel has secured a $25,000 grant aimed at cutting down natural gas usage at its manufacturing site in Whitby by as much as seven per cent each year.
This company is the inaugural recipient of the Town of Whitby’s Industrial Energy Challenge, a pilot initiative launched in collaboration with Enbridge Gas Ontario to assist industrial firms in boosting efficiency and lowering operational expenses.
At its Whitby facility, North American Steel produces steel racking systems. The racks undergo powder coating and are dried in large industrial ovens to set the finish. This process represents roughly 90 per cent of the company’s natural gas usage.
The funding will go toward installing air curtains at both the entrance and exit of the drying oven. These devices will help retain heat within the oven while also eliminating excess moisture from steel before it enters, which should lessen the energy needed for this procedure.
The completion of this project is anticipated by early 2027.
North American Steel has been part of the Whitby community since 1972.
“We are honoured to receive this award,” said Stosh Fabricius, the company’s vice-president of corporate development. “We appreciate the support of the town and companies such as Enbridge Gas that are willing to support local businesses in their efforts to innovate and grow in a sustainable way.”
Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy stated that this initiative will aid the company in cutting costs while also aligning with the town’s economic and environmental objectives.
The Industrial Energy Challenge aligns with Whitby’s Climate Emergency Response Plan, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2045. It further supports the town’s economic development strategy encouraging businesses to enhance efficiency, explore new methods, and maintain competitiveness.
Enbridge Gas is collaborating with the town to facilitate projects focused on reducing energy consumption and enhancing industrial operations.
“The Industrial Energy Challenge showcases the power of collaboration in creating practical energy solutions that benefit both businesses and communities,” said Val Picher, Enbridge Gas Ontario’s director of municipal and stakeholder engagement.
Source link
