Dacon Fabrications

Dacon Fabrications

The Gateshead-based sheet metal fabricator recently installed a heat recovery system that will save them over £6,500 per year in gas usage.

Operating from a 2,800m2 purpose-built production facility, the company specialises in the manufacturing of bespoke electrical enclosures for a wide range of sectors. The business’s processes are energy intensive so ensuring these are run efficiently make a significant impact on their operational costs and efficiencies.

Following a free energy audit carried out by an Energy Auditor from Narec DE, the contractors delivering the energy audits on behalf of BEST, Dacon Fabrications successfully applied for a £6801.30 grant to part fund the installation of their new heat recovery system. The upgrade is set to reduce carbon emissions by 57 tonnes per year with the investment to have paid itself in just over 2 years.

Sarah Condren, Procurement and Operations Manager at Dacon Fabrications said: ‘’Dacon Fabrications continually strive to make improvements not only to benefit the company and its’ employees, but also to reduce our carbon footprint and consider the environment in our decision-making. Knowing our large reliance on energy within our manufacturing processes, being offered an alternative, environmentally friendly solution that not only saves us money but improves efficiency, with the added benefit of a grant towards the cost, was a fantastic opportunity for us.

“Phil at Narec DE’s guidance on the grant process for the ‘Gas Save’ system was excellent; he made the whole process very easy, and we look forward to working together again on future projects that arise. We are extremely pleased with the results to-date, and the reduction in our energy bill speaks volumes. We are looking to make further investments now for the future following such a successful project.’’

David Orr, Energy Officer for Newcastle City Council’s BEST team stated: “Dacon Fabrications are committed to continuously improving their processes and have recently completed an upgrade of plant at their site, which included installing a ‘Gas Save’ system into their paint line. This system consists of a closed loop pumping system, extracting excess heat and using it to heat a pre-treatment tank.

“With this feature, the operating time of the tank burner is reduced from 4 hours to 1.5 hours per shift. As well as the energy and carbon savings, this upgrade also reduces the overall plant operating costs.”

Cllr Malcolm Brain, Cabinet Member for the Economy at Gateshead Council said: “We are committed to making Gateshead carbon neutral by 2030. Local businesses have an important role to play, and it is extremely positive to see Dacon Fabrications benefiting from the services this great project offers.

“Rising energy bills are one of the biggest challenges for businesses and this project helps to cut energy costs and save money whilst making a valuable contribution to reducing harmful carbon emissions. I encourage all businesses to consider the environmental impact of their operations when they’re working to improve their resilience and performance.”

Dacon Fabrications are now looking at how they can recover heat waste from another part of their processing to recycle within other parts of their factory operations, in addition to ongoing work on the other audit recommendations for their office areas and lighting solutions.

 

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