by Staff Reports
Since officially opening its Casa Grande manufacturing facility in mid-May with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Gov. Katie Hobbs and more dignitaries and employees, Kohler Co. has been devoted to releasing as few emissions as possible and is pursuing even more ground-breaking technologies that could nearly eliminate them.
In March the Wisconsin-based manufacturer was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations to negotiate for up to $51.2 million, matched by company investment, to implement a commercial-scale decarbonization solution at the Casa Grande plant.
Kohler, working with subsidiaries Kohler Energy and Clarke Energy, is pursuing an electric boiler and microgrid system and expects the upgrades to prevent at least 7,865 MT CO2e from being released annually.
This represents a reduction of at least 90% of the current emissions by eliminating CO2e emissions from natural gas boilers.
“This is an exciting project for our energy businesses to work together at Kohler’s largest plant in North America,” says Brian Melka, group president – Kohler Energy. “As governments, businesses and individuals look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint, we’re likewise pursuing ways to positively contribute to decarbonization through new technologies and advanced engineering to develop solutions that utilize clean energy sources.”
This won’t be Kohler’s first Arizona project promoting sustainability in Pinal County; it supported a multiyear project begun last year led by Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Arizona State University and Bridgestone to convert high-water-use crops to low-water-use crops to alleviate water stress on the local aquifers.
The factory at 21680 W. Clayton Road has created 400 new production and administrative jobs and produces STERLING brand bathtubs, shower receptors and bathtub and shower walls.
It covers approximately 1 million square feet on 216 acres, giving it room to grow when it’s already the company’s largest North American plant.
Kohler’s multimillion-dollar capital investment features an innovative manufacturing facility, ancillary warehouse, distribution center, office space and cafeterias. The site also includes a showroom for customers and visitors to view leading-edge products.
“The City of Casa Grande welcomes Kohler Company with open arms and is pleased that the organization has invested in us for the long-term,” says Casa Grande Mayor Craig McFarland
