Fiat Chrysler Undergoes Major LED Retrofit, Saving 50% on Energy Costs – Energy Manager Today
FCA US LLC (Fiat Chrysler) has undergone a major LED retrofit after installing intelligent lighting systems in two metro Detroit operations, Jefferson North Assembly Plant and Warren Stamping Plant, helping drive down energy costs by at least 50%. FCA says it has also improved employee productivity by making the spaces responsive to the needs at each workspace.
“Making the move now to the most advanced LED lights with wireless control capabilities gives us the ability to track our real-time consumption and react, respond and customize our energy use quicker than ever before,” said Kevin Dunbar, corporate energy manager at FCA US LLC. “LEDs also mimic natural light, which has shown to increase our employees’ comfort and productivity.”
The sensors “talk” with each other via a wireless network and can adjust illumination based on occupancy needs or the intensity needed in the specific location. The sensor-based digital network creates a smart building that runs on autopilot, reducing operating expenses and increasing business efficiencies for the operations teams.
Additional Highlights
The company has now retrofitted more than half of its manufacturing facilities, two Mopar Parts Distribution Centers and 87 dealerships with more than 35,000 LED fixtures:
Energy Reductions at Automotive Plants and Dealerships
By 2020, FCA aims to achieve a 30% reduction in energy consumed per vehicle produced versus 2010 at mass-market vehicle assembly and stamping plants worldwide. By the end of 2017, FCA’s energy consumption was down 24% compared with 2010.
But FCA isn’t the only Michigan automotive company looking to save with lighting. Back in 2014, CGE Energy (CGE) announced it had upgraded the lighting at four southeast Michigan dealership locations. As a result of the change, Golling saw a return on its investment in less than 14 months and will save $1.4 million in total energy costs over the next 10 years.
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