Solar success at Foodmach

Foodmach is one of Australasia’s largest privately owned and operated packaging machinery manufacturers and integrators. In 2013, its manufacturing facility located in Echuca, Victoria, was fitted with a 100 kW solar system by Norlec Solar.

To date, the system has yielded 1 GW of energy, representing over 700 tonnes of CO₂ emissions reduction — or the equivalent of a car travelling 3.5 million kilometres. The electricity generated would be enough to power the 5900-plus houses in Echuca for nearly a week.

The 400 solar panels on 5400 m² roof of the facility save around 44% of the total electricity drawn by the business in its manufacturing operations.

LED lighting was also installed throughout the premises in 2013, which has saved around 30% of previous electricity usage for lighting.

Foodmach CEO Earle Roberts said: “We installed the panels and LED lighting in an effort to reduce our carbon footprint and mitigate ever-increasing power costs. Foodmach is committed to the sustainability and competitiveness of our products. We’re constantly looking for ways to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.”