SOLARTRON METROLOGY GOES FURTHER GREEN IN 2014
Latest packaging solution further reduces company's carbon footprint
BOGNOR REGIS, UK---Solartron Metrology, a unit of AMETEK, Inc., has had a long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility. Wherever possible, the Company, which is a leader in high-precision measurement instruments, has used tried and tested methods to reduce, reuse and recycle. It's latest initiative is the introduction of onsite recycling bins and environmentally friendly packaging for it's products.
Our journey toward more sustainable manufacturing practices began in 2010 with the adoption of the 5S Methodology (Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardise and Sustain)," comments Tim Bache, Managing Director. "5s Methodology helps ensure that a company is organised, streamlined, clean and able to sustain it's properties. It not only allows for Just In Time manufacturing, which further shrinks a business’ carbon footprint by reducing scrap, waste and storage, but also helps ensure that all processes are working at optimum capability."
"Among the positive outcomes of our working with the 5S Methodology is the 'Red Tagging' process,” adds Mark Claxton, Sales and Marketing Director, “Anything that is due to be put into waste, is first taken to a red tagging zone to make certain that there really is no use for it. An item stays in this area for an allotted period of time and is disposed of only when no other person has a use for it."
An employee suggestion in 2012 led to a reduction in wire off-cuts, which can be high in quantity during the production of gauging probes and displacement sensors manufactured by the Company. The employee’s suggestion involved recycling this waste. It was brought to the attention of the Company’s Board of Directors and approved.
As has been the case in similar instances, it usually takes a person working with the issue to find a solution and bring it forward, especially when it is not evident to others within the organisation. The employee’s suggestion led to a process improvement that resulted in a conscious decision to incorporate recycling throughout the manufacturing process
With assistance from Veolia, recycling bins were introduced throughout the manufacturing work space. The number of general waste bins also was reduced to encourage employees to consider recycling. Internal employee communications further reinforced the practice. As a result, the number of general waste bins has been reduced by over 65% and replaced with recycling bins, helping to ensure that a conscious decision is made as to which bin to use.
Along with this commitment in waste reduction and recycling has come a decision to move to recycled and recyclable packaging. Over 97% of Solartron Metrology’s products are exported. Starting shortly, those products will be sent to customers all over the globe in new brown boxes that are 100% recyclable and made from 80% recycled materials. That decision, made late 2013, is being implemented as quickly as possible.
Solartron Metrology is a unit of AMETEK Ultra Precision Technologies and a world leader in precision digital and analogue dimensional LVDT gauging probes, displacement sensors, optical linear encoders and associated instrumentation. AMETEK,Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices with annual sales of US$3.6 billion.