(Cudahy, WI) ATI was recently honored with a 2021 Energy Efficiency Excellence Award for significantly reducing energy and lighting consumption at its Forged Products operation in Cudahy, Wisconsin, improving worker safety and productivity in the process. Statewide energy efficiency and renewable energy program FOCUS ON ENERGY® presented the award to ATI’s Cudahy, Wisconsin operations on behalf of Wisconsin’s utilities. The 700-worker location forges high-performance specialty materials for demanding applications in extreme end markets like aerospace, defense and space.
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Chairperson Rebecca Cameron Valcq, celebrated ATI for its commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability. “Manufacturing is the backbone of Wisconsin’s economy.It’s critically important we help and encourage companies like ATI to use energy more efficiently to keep costs down, which in return keeps good paying jobs in our state and reduces fossil fuel use,” said Valcq.
Accepting the award on behalf of ATI, Vice President of Operations Brad Byers proudly noted the company’s longstanding history in Wisconsin. “For over 100 years, ATI has forged high-performance materials in Cudahy,” said Byers, noting that in recent years the company’s operations have expanded to Coon Valley and Appleton, Wisconsin as well. “Our continued success depends on our ability to remain competitive. Our commitment to sustainability – one of ATI’s core values – enables us to give back to the community where our employees work and live while reducing our energy costs,” said Byers.
The company partnered with Focus on Energy and We Energies to implement dozens of energy-saving projects over the last decade. Most recently, they replaced over 7,000 light bulb and fixtures with LEDs reducing total lighting consumption in the one million square foot facility by approximately 60%. Installing efficient variable frequency drives (VFDs) on equipment has also driven savings.
“Working together as a team has been the key to our success,” said Doug Gennrich, Director of Capital Planning and Energy at ATI.“Focus on Energy experts help us identify cost saving measures and the financial incentives available.Our utility, We Energies, helps us control costs with innovative programs such as the utility’s real time market rate pricing. Through this teamwork, we’ve been able to save nearly 108,000 therms of natural gas and 6.5 million KWh of electricity,” said Gennrich.
ATI recently partnered with We Energies to help power the future by providing eight acres of land for 7,000 solar panels, the largest solar initiative in Cudahy.
State Senator Chris Larson and Representative Christine Sinicki were also on hand to recognize ATI’s accomplishments and thank the company for their long-standing contributions to the City of Cudahy and surrounding communities.
Focus on Energy’s Energy Efficiency Excellence Award recognizes Wisconsin businesses and organizations that have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to energy efficiency.
About ATI Forged Products
ATI Forged Products in Cudahy, WI (formerly Ladish) forges high-performance products ranging from rocket rings to helicopter rotor hubs and jet engine parts. The company was founded in 1905 and grew through the early 20th century as a high-quality supplier of forged camshafts and other parts for the automotive, farming and construction equipment industries. As the aircraft industry boomed, the company became known for propeller forgings, then high-temperature forgings for the hot sections of jet engines, ultimately becoming a leader in high-strength, high-temperature components for spacecraft and deep-sea submersibles. Today, the company is the heart of ATI’s Forged Products business.
