Horst Engineering Commissions Solar PV Electric Power System and Green Building Expansion
EAST HARTFORD, CT, July 14, 2009 - Horst Engineering and Manufacturing Co. has marked the successful commissioning of their solar photovoltaic electric power system. The company completed a multi-year plant renovation, incorporating many green building features, including the 39kW rooftop solar system.
In April, the solar system produced 69% of the power demand at the renovated plant, and on average, the system will generate enough clean power to account for nearly half the annual electricity demand of the building. The physical expansion permitted the addition of several new manufacturing processes to support their core aerospace business and initiated the launch of a dedicated Horst Medical business unit.
"Like many of Connecticut's small manufacturing businesses, we have faced challenges, but our commitment to the environment is recession proof. We are clearly focused on the long term growth prospects for our group of enterprises, said Scott Livingston, Horst Engineering Chief Executive Officer.
The State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and the Town of East Hartford provided assistance through an Urban Jobs Grant. The clean energy project was made possible by a grant from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund's (CCEF) On-Site Renewable Distributed Generation Program.
"Solar was a smart choice for Horst Engineering," said Lise Dondy, president of the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. "Not only does it enable Horst to strengthen its commitment to the environment, but it also enables the company to control its energy costs and thereby improve its bottom line."
"Green business practices and support for environmental non-profits show our commitment to environmental sustainability and proves that we measure growth in many different ways. It is important that we share our experience with our peers and the community," added Livingston.
About Horst Engineering
Horst Engineering, founded in 1946, is a contract manufacturer of precision machined components and assemblies for aerospace, medical, and other high technology industries. Its core processes include Swiss screw machining, turning, milling, thread rolling, centerless grinding, and assembly. For more information, please visit www.horstengineering.com
About the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF)
CCEF was created by the Connecticut General Assembly and is funded by the electric ratepayers. CCEF's mission is to promote, develop and invest in clean energy sources for the benefit of Connecticut's ratepayers in order to strengthen Connecticut's economy, protect community health, improve the environment, and promote a secure energy supply for the state. CCEF is administered by Connecticut Innovations, a quasi-public authority. For more information on CCEF, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.
Additional Information:
Michael London
203-261-1549
