Project Description
LED Lighting Upgrade Nets Dixline Energy Savings Plus Rebates
When your manufacturing facility is running 24 hours a day, five days a week, lighting is a huge concern. So when it was time for Dixline Corp. to light the $3 million expansion at its Central Illinois manufacturing plant, it chose a reliable partner: Sustainable Lighting Solutions.
“We worked with SLS on our warehouse expansion and the experience was tremendous,” says David Thomson, Dixline President and CEO. The family-owned company expanded its facility’s footprint in Galva, IL by 27,500 square feet. Dixline chose LEDs for the new lighting because of their lifespan, the lower cost to operate and maintain them, and the quality of the light. “The employees loved the new light, the installation was perfect, and the controls were flawless,” Thomson says.
Dixline Corporation is an ISO 9001-certified metal fabrication and decorative finishing company serving the U.S. and international markets. Dixline’s primary business is centered around the production and finishing of decorative and functional hardware for use on burial caskets, windows and doors, and hand tools. Dixline also applies proprietary specialty coatings used in the electronics and aerospace industries.
Shortly after the expansion project, Dixline chose to replace dated and inefficient lighting in a manufacturing area where the lights run 24 hours a day, five days a week. Light loss for an extended period of time was a safety and production concern.
Dixline worked with a different lighting partner for that job, and Thomson says, “We would not do that again.” Among other concerns, the vendor installed a faulty product. “Immediately the new lights that were supposed to last 20 to 30 years started burning out. It was truly disappointing. Incandescent lights don’t even burn out that quickly. We went back to SLS.”
The Dixline manufacturing area is lit 24 hours a day, five days a week. The warehouse area lighting runs 16 to 20 hours a day, five days a week. Over the course of both projects, SLS installed sensors in every area, including corridors and administrative offices, to maximize energy savings.
“I learned a lot about LED modules because of the experience,” Thomson says. “It’s like buying steak or seafood – you spend a little more for the best.” SLS replaced the faulty lights with Orion fixtures, manufactured by the Wisconsin-based company.
SLS researched available incentives, and discovered that this project qualified for energy-efficiency rebates from Ameren. SLS managed the application and rebate paperwork, netting Dixline a nearly $2,000 rebate.
“The light is really bright and clear,” Thomson said. “It’s better and safer, and facility improvements, like these, go a long way to improve morale.
“SLS was always on top of the project. We chose SLS without hesitation the second time.”
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