February 25, 2015
By Neal Tepel
Lordstown, Ohio – General Motors is now revolutionizing its operations at one of its largest assembly plants by reducing its carbon footprint. IBEW Local 573 members have installed 8,500 solar panels and 6,500 energy efficient LED’s at this GM plant. This facility is currently building the Chevrolet Cruze model sedan, the world best-selling compact car.
“We worked six and seven days a week, 10-hours per day, braving the cold the entire time… a lot during near zero temps,” said Jaime Burdette, general foreman of the crew and IBEW 573 member.
The solar panels are able to capture the light even on cloudy days. Inside the facility, GM also switched to all LED lights, replacing the existing 40-foot high bay lighting system. LEDs provide much more illumination and brightness to the production process, while saving an estimated eighty-four percent on lighting costs.
