Environment and Sustainability
At Bobcat, we minimize the impact we have on the environment and help our customers do the same. Remanufacturing, recycling, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, monitoring energy usage and reducing waste are just a few examples of how we leverage technology and innovation to become more productive while using resources more efficiently.
Minimizing Container Waste
Before
Sending and receiving packages is typically a simple, streamlined process. However, transporting extremely heavy parts and materials can prove to be cumbersome, wasteful and costly. In our Compact Aftermarket division, cardboard had been the preferred shipping container for many years. When we heard about missing or damaged parts due to shipping, the parts and customer service department made it a priority to develop a solution that would help protect contents while also being more sustainable.
After
After recognizing the opportunity for improvement, a cross-functional team was put together to develop a viable solution. They created a strategy, put the concept in motion and a new, reusable container was created. Made from injection molded polyethylene, the container has an eight-year expected life cycle. Bobcat dealers are now also able to use the returnable containers to send back returns of surplus product, giving the containers a dual purpose and resulting in a more efficient shipping process.
Energy-Efficient Manufacturing Facility Lighting
Before
BODY COPY Workers at the Wahpeton, North Dakota manufacturing facility produce hydraulics, cylinders and valves for Bobcat® loaders, compact excavators and attachments. And in this high bay space where welding, assembly and testing are performed, good lighting is imperative. For many years, the 98,000 sq. ft. space was lit with outdated 297 metal halide fixtures. When we began researching a new lighting solution, our goal was not only to increase light levels but to also reduce energy usage.
After
During a holiday plant shutdown, the plant’s lighting was replaced with GE’s Albeo ABH and ALC4 LED lighting. With the new fixtures, employees can see their work better and energy usage has decreased by more than 850,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) each year. They also have a rated lifetime of 100,000 hours compared to a 20,000-rated life of metal halides.