This paper is an energy case study of a failing
American manufacturing process suffering from:
. outdated ideas
. misinformation
. plant vs management misunderstanding
. counterproductive methods
. inefficient practices
. old equipment
. foreign competition
. rising utility rates
Surprisingly, foreign competition and rising utility
rates were the motivation for the energy study and
subsequent implementation but they had little to do with
the real problems of excessive manufacturing costs.
This Project started in July 1981, and was finally
completed in June 1983. It was very successful in
immediately reducing utility costs by approximately 40%.
It would be really wonderful to announce that the Plant,
by lowering its utility costs that much, reestablished its
share of the market, became profitable, increased output
and employment, and is a now vital American industry.
But, it's not. As of July 1985, it's barely hanging on
