Expansion Management

Improving Mother Nature at Tire Plant

Feb. 26, 2011

By installing a reverse osmosis (RO) system and with the proper chemical treatment program, the BFGoodrich tire manufacturing plant in Woodburn, Ind. was able to turn hard water into the quality necessary to run the boiler system at optimal levels.

Using a system from GE, the improved quality of the boiler make-up water allowed for an increase in total boiler cycles, leading to fuel cost savings.

In turn the plant now conserves 9.9 million gallons of water annually.

Other benefits include fewer mechanical issues and less chemical handling by the operators, according to said Paul Cagle, plant manager at BFGoodrich's Woodburn facility. "This is a significant improvement, especially from an EHS standpoint, because it reduces the chances for accidents or injury to our operators."

And BF received an award to boot -- the GE ecomagination Leadership Award.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko Blog | Senior Editor

Focus: Expansion Management & the Biotech & Life Sciences Industries

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Senior Editor Adrienne Selko manages IndustryWeek’s Expansion Management, delivering ideas and information about how successful manufacturers leverage location to gain competitive advantage. She explores the strategies behind why companies located their headquarters, research institutes, factories, warehouse and distribution centers and other facilities where they did, and how they benefit from the decision.

Adrienne is also the editorial coordinator of the IndustryWeek Expansion Management Roundtable events, which unites economic development professionals to network and discuss the latest trends in site location.

As well, Adrienne tells the stories of successful companies in the biotechnology and life sciences industries.

In the past, Adrienne has managed IndustryWeek’s award-winning website, overseeing eNewletters, webinars, and contributed content. Before joining the staff, Adrienne was managing editor of corporate publications at a large regional financial institution. She also ran a public relations and marketing company that published a best-selling healthcare book.

Adrienne received a bachelor’s of business administration from the University of Michigan and is especially interested in wellness and natural health.