DMI Precision Engineering is based in Macmerry in East Lothian. The business has been providing a wide range of engineering services for over 38 years to clients in the oil and gas, aerospace, renewable energy, defence and automotive industries. It employs nine people.
As outlined in the business’s environmental policy, DMI Precision Engineering is committed to reducing its environmental impact and to continually improving its environmental performance as an integral part of business strategy and operations.
While waste and water are well managed at the site, the Managing Director, David Black, contacted our team for advice and support to reduce the company’s energy consumption. In particular, David was interested in upgrading two computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines and a milling machine with a new, more efficient turning centre.
One of our consultants quickly visited the site and carried out an energy saving survey.
The detailed report that was produced following the survey confirmed that a new turning centre would reduce electricity consumption. Specifically, our consultant estimated it would reduce energy use by 34%, cutting annual energy bills by £14,458 and reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 33.9 tonnes. In addition, the increased automation of the turning centre would halve manufacturing time and allow more orders to be taken on by the company.
The report also recommended replacing the fluorescent lighting used at the site with more efficient and longer lasting light emitting diode (LED) equivalents. This would achieve an estimated annual cost saving of £1,190 and reduce CO2 emissions by 2.8 tonnes. With an installation cost of approximately £3,000, this opportunity would have a payback of just 2.5 years.
Following our advice, and given the capital investment required for the new turning machine, we provided ongoing support to help DMI Precision Engineering Ltd successfully apply for an interest-free loan from the Scottish Government to fund the investment.
The new turning machine was installed in July 2019 and the business is now considering the lighting upgrade as the next stage in its drive to improve energy efficiency.
‘We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and continually improving our environmental performance as an integral part of our business strategy and operating methods. The support and funding we have had have provided a significant boost to achieving these aspirations.’ – David Black, Managing Director.
Help for your business
Business Energy Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government to provide free, impartial support and access to funding to help small and medium-sized enterprises save energy, carbon and money
Whether you are just starting out on your energy-saving journey and need some pointers or are looking for expertise and funding to support your current plans, our team of experienced business advisors and energy-saving consultants are here to help. Get in touch today.
Get the case study sent straight to your inbox
If you liked this case study, make sure you sign up to our regular ezine, The Bottom Line. It’s an easy way to keep up to date with all the latest updates including grants and funding, free training, case studies, the latest blogs and other useful resources that can help your organisation improve its environmental performance, save resources and save money.