Klaus Deckarm and Petra Berwanger, responsible for energy and sustainability management at VOIT Automotive, emphasize: "Our goal is to reduce the waste we produce and utilize everything we create to decrease our reliance on valuable resources. It is crucial to select suppliers and technologies that share our vision of sustainability—StrikoWestofen does, and we are thrilled with what we have achieved with their help."
The company, based in St. Ingbert, Saarland, Germany, casts over 100 million parts annually for its global customers, requiring substantial amounts of aluminum to be melted. Therefore, selecting a furnace that optimizes operational time and quality while reducing energy consumption and emissions is vital for cost and CO2 efficiency.
VOIT's choice of the right melting solution has yielded additional benefits. The decision to replace two existing furnaces with a StrikoMelter PurEfficiency from StrikoWestofen was driven by the excellent projected energy savings and emission reductions. These benefits were so significant that the company received a 40% government subsidy for the purchase, making it a well-placed investment.
Significant Savings
With the StrikoMelter PurEfficiency, VOIT saves approximately 5.5 million kWh of gas annually, surpassing expectations. "Moreover," explains Andreas Schorr, a certified machine technician at VOIT Automotive, "we have reduced CO2 emissions by more than 40% through the introduction of our StrikoMelter PurEfficiency furnace. This is substantial."
The secret to the furnace's success lies in its unique design. Every angle is crafted to optimize energy use, utilizing the exhaust gases generated during the melting process to heat the aluminum bars entering the furnace shaft. "The insulating materials used are also of extremely high quality," adds Andreas Schorr, "both in terms of thermal performance and the lifespan of the furnace system. This results in a longer lifespan and less maintenance, contributing to the operational advantages we receive."
Sustainable Innovation for the Future
VOIT is at the forefront of technologies and approaches that support a more sustainable future, balancing industry needs with environmental considerations. Investing in solutions like the StrikoMelter is part of a broader strategy for the company.
