Manufacturing Plant Lighting

We thrive in complex & challenging manufacturing spaces

In manufacturing environments lighting systems often run continuously and under extreme conditions. Inefficient or ineffective lighting under these trying conditions often results in costly, maintenance-intensive, and sometimes even dangerous systems. Our energy engineers solve these problems and maximize operational objectives with high-performance systems. 

We’ve designed and installed thousands of LED lighting projects in manufacturing plants across North America

Challenge

Lighting can make up 10–40% of a manufacturer’s monthly energy expense — an operating cost that directly cuts into your bottom-line. Dim or poorly-lit facilities create hazardous environments and can lead to accidents and other safety concerns. Furthermore, without the correct fixture type, rated life, and lumen package for your facility you’ll waste money and energy on improper lighting systems.

Solution

PEC leverages our team of experts to specify lighting design and control solutions that will help you improve productivity, increase safety, and lower OPEX. Our engineers develop customized solutions that achieve optimal light levels for your manufacturing facility while maximizing energy savings and capturing every possible incentive.

Results

When we design an energy-efficient lighting solution for a manufacturing client we aim to reduce waste and inefficiency, while decreasing energy spend & maintenance overhead costs.  We’ll focus on what’s important to you, ensuring employee safety and regulatory compliance. A LED retrofit upgrade with us will:

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Improve facility-wide light levels

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Reduce energy bills

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Increase worker productivity

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Support workplace safety goals

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Maximize state & local energy incentives

Reduce costly maintenance

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Impact KPIs across the board

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Meet sustainability goals

Proven, tested and known

We have solved some of the biggest challenges in the industry and excel at tackling complex installations. We’ve worked with some of the largest manufacturers in North America and understand their pain points. Our end-to-end process ensures you’ll be taken care of  every step of the way. Once complete, we’re confident your new lighting system will measurably improve your business.

West Fraser LED Lighting Retrofit
West Fraser

56% Energy reduction & vastly improved lighting

See the difference for West Fraser with vastly improved light levels and huge efficiency gains.

EMJ Metals

Headline headline

See how this energy efficiency project for Alaska Airlines implemented smart lighting solutions technology to significantly reduce energy and help them meet their sustainability goals.

Jeld Wen

See how this ligthing project helped Jeld Wen reduce waste

One of the largest projects in the history of the Energy Trust of Oregon. See the outstanding savings and incentives we were able to leverage for VIGOR.

Milgard

5% recorded productivity increase for Milgard

What would you do for a 5% productivity gain in your facility?

The lighting project is working out “GREAT” – in a single word!

Our electric bill has been 48-52% LESS than what it was with the old lighting. The sensors are working well, and we only light the areas of the warehouse with activity.

The LED lights have other results as well.

SAFETY – the brighter lights have made us more aware of our surroundings and therefore a much safer place to work. Also, our electrical panels are running cool to the touch where before they were so hot you couldn’t touch the breaker covers.

The only problem I have is why I didn’t approve it sooner!

-Vice President/CEO,
The Steel Supply Company

Manufacturing pain points

Manufacturing and industrial environments face some of the toughest obstacles to reaching maximum lighting operational efficiency and performance. Inadequate and inefficient can leave you exposed to multiple issues which negatively effect your performance

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Inefficient

Manufacturing lighting systems need to reliably run 24-7 while withstanding extreme conditions and providing appropriate light levels, all without guzzling so much energy that they become cost-prohibitive.

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Expensive

Inefficient lighting significantly cuts into your margins, especially if it requires constant maintenance. Lighting can make up more than 10–40% of a manufacturer’s monthly energy expense – that’s a lot.

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Dangerous

Manufacturing lighting must provide sufficient light to keep employees safe. Proper lighting quality, placement, type, and protection are essential considerations when designing manufacturing lighting concepts.

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Bad for the environment

Efficient LED lighting systems waste far less energy than conventional counterparts. This will reduce your businesses’ environmental impact and net your business valuable utility incentives.

Our impact

PEC’s mission for each of our lighting projects is impact. We want our work to have a measurable, positive impact on your manufacturing business. Here are four concrete ways PEC’s lighting solutions will make an impact on your manufacturing business.

Run Efficient

Not only will you have notably improved lighting quality, but it will use less energy and we further compound efficiency by utilizing advanced lighting controls that make sure you use lighting as and when you need it.

Save Money

We have saved over $200M and counting for our customers. With lighting making up to 40% of some manufacturers energy bills these systems translate directly to reductions in monthly energy bills. 

Work Happy

Some facilities have reduced their accident rates by 50% after an LED lighting project. Our customers consistently tell is how our projects have made their facilities safer places to work.

Protect the Planet

As sustainability becomes more important these projects can help you meet your sustainability goals. We have helped some of the biggest companies in the world meet these goals by aggressively targeting efficiency, often over multiple sites

Not all LED solutions are the same

There are huge variances in both LED fixtures and implementation. Lower quality fixtures and unplanned, or poorly implemented systems will not produce adequate results.

Unlike some companies we are manufacturer agnostic. This frees us to focus on one thing and one thing only — what’s right for your project and ultimately your business. We start at the solution and only select high performance products that augment that solution with zero compromises. 

For a deeper dive  – download and read our Ebook

Industrial FAQ's

What Are The Most Common Types Of Industrial Lighting?

Types Of Industrial Lighting

When it comes to Industrial Plant Lighting, several types are commonly used to meet the specific requirements of various industrial settings:

1. High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting

Metal Halide (MH) Lamps

High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) Lamps

2. LED Lighting

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

LED Retrofits

3. Fluorescent Lighting

T5 and T8 Fluorescent Lamps

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)

4. Induction Lighting

Germicidal UV Lights

40W Induction Circular Light Round Lamp

What Is The Standard Illumination Level For Industrial Lighting?

The Standard Illumination Level For Industrial Lighting

In industrial operations, maintaining the proper level of illumination is essential for a secure and effective working environment. The appropriate levels of light, which are expressed in lux, vary depending on the particular functions carried out within the plant.

Here are some typical illumination levels for different areas within an industrial plant:

1. General Workspaces:

150 to 300 lux

2. Warehouses and Storage Areas:

100 to 200 lux

3. Assembly Lines:

300 to 500 lux

4. Inspection and Quality Control Areas:

500 to 1000 lux

What are the best practices for increasing the efficiency of industrial plant lighting?

Best Practices To Increase Efficiency Of Industrial Plant Lighting

Industrial lighting must be efficient because it not only influences energy consumption but also productivity and maintenance costs. The effectiveness of the lighting in your industrial plant can be greatly increased by implementing these best practices:

1. Utilize LED Technology:

Consider replacing traditional lighting with energy-efficient LED fixtures and retrofits. LEDs offer longer lifespans, consume less energy, and produce better-quality light.

2. Implement Lighting Controls:

Incorporate lighting controls, such as motion sensors and timers, to ensure lights are only active when needed, reducing unnecessary energy usage.

3. Optimize Lighting Layout:

Carefully plan the positioning of lights to avoid over- or under-illumination, providing adequate light coverage while reducing energy waste.

4. Regular Maintenance:

Schedule routine maintenance to clean fixtures, replace faulty bulbs promptly, and ensure the lighting system operates at peak performance.

What Is The Difference Between Industrial Plant Lighting And Other Lighting?

Difference Between Industrial Plant Lighting And Other Lighting

Industrial Plant Lighting differs from other lighting solutions, such as commercial and retail lighting, in several key aspects:

1. Durability:

Industrial plant lighting is more durable than normal lighting since it is made to tolerate severe temperatures, dust, and vibrations.

2. Brightness Levels:

Commercial lighting focuses more on aesthetics than industrial lighting, which is frequently brighter to ensure safety and visibility in big areas.

3. Energy Efficiency:

Given the extensive processes that demand significant energy consumption, energy efficiency is a primary concern for industrial plant lighting.

How To Choose The Right Industrial Plant Lighting For You?

Choosing The Right Industrial Plant Lighting

Your unique demands and goals must be carefully considered when the ideal industrial plant lighting. Here is a step-by-step guide to assist you in reaching a decision:

  • Conduct a Lighting Audit:

    Consider illumination levels, energy usage, and maintenance requirements as you evaluate your current lighting arrangement and pinpoint opportunities for improvement.

     

  • Understand Your Tasks:

    the requirements for various tasks performed in your industrial plant, as areas may need of lighting.

     

  • Evaluate Lighting Types:

    Choose the lighting style that most closely reflects your operational and energy-saving objectives after weighing the advantages and disadvantages each previously covered type.

     

  • Professional Assistance:

    Consult with experts or optimization companies to get personalized recommendations on your specific requirements and budget.

What Is An Industrial Plant?

Importance of Industrial Plant

It is impossible to exaggerate the significance of industrial plants because they are essential for promoting growth and the needs of different industries. Industrial facilities are essential for the following reasons:

  • Mass Production:

    Industrial plants enable the efficient mass production goods, consumer demands on a large scale and supporting economic growth.

     

  • Creation:

    These provide employment opportunities for a significant number of people, fostering and regional development.

     

  • Innovation and Technology Advancement:

    plants serve as centers for innovation, research, and development, driving technological advancements in various fields.

     

  • Resource Utilization:

    By centralizing manufacturing processes, plants optimize resource utilization, reducing waste and improving sustainability.

How Does An Industrial Plant Work?

Understanding the Function of an Industrial Plant

The industrial facility is run by several integrated systems and processes that work together seamlessly to enable effective product manufacturing. The following stages make up the workflow:

1. Raw Material and Storage:

    1. Upon delivery, raw materials are carefully stored in designated areas within the plant.

 

2. Pre-Processing and Preparation:

    1. Raw materials may go through pre-processing activities like cleaning, sorting, or refining before beginning the manufacturing process to prepare them for production.

 

3. Manufacturing and Production:

    1. The processed materials are fed into the production line, where advanced machines and skilled laborers work together to create the final products.

4. Quality Control and Inspection:

    1. To ensure that finished products satisfy industry standards and client expectations, they go through rigorous quality tests. During this step, any defective pieces are located and fixed.

 

5. Packaging and Distribution:

    The items are properly packaged and made ready for distribution to wholesalers, retailers, or directly to end users after passing quality control, which helps the industrial plant’s supply chain run smoothly.

 

What Are The Benefits Of Industrial Plant Lighting?

Benefits Of Industrial Plant Lighting

There are many advantages to effective industrial plant lighting that go beyond simple illumination. The following are some benefits of investing in high-quality lighting products:

1. Enhanced Safety

Proper lighting reduces the risk of accidents and improves overall safety conditions for workers and visitors.

2.Increased Productivity

Well-lit workspaces promote higher productivity and accuracy in tasks, leading to improved production output.

3. Better Quality Control

Adequate lighting enables accurate visual inspection, ensuring consistent product quality.

4. Energy Efficiency

Modern lighting technologies, like LED fixtures and controls, significantly reduce energy consumption and operational costs.

5. Employee Well-being

Quality lighting positively impacts employee morale and well-being, contributing to a more positive work environment.

What Are The Challenges In Industrial Plant Lighting?

Challenges In Industrial Plant Lighting

Industrial plant lighting has many advantages, but it also has its share of drawbacks. Typical difficulties include:

1. Harsh Environments

Lighting equipment can be impacted by the difficult operating conditions that industrial plants frequently experience, including high temperatures, dust, and chemical exposure.

2. Large Spaces

Illuminating vast areas efficiently while maintaining uniform lighting can be challenging.

3. Lighting Maintenance

Due to operational limitations and the requirement for specialized equipment, routine maintenance in industrial settings can be challenging.

4. Energy Consumption

The high energy demand for industrial lighting can significantly impact operational costs.

What Are The Alternatives To Industrial Plant Lighting?

Exploring the Alternatives for Industrial Plant Lighting

Although industrial plant lighting is typically used to illuminate huge workstations, there are other options to take into account:

Natural Lighting

Incorporate skylights, windows, and translucent panels to take advantage of daylight during the day and lessen the need for artificial lighting.

Hybrid Systems

Combine natural lighting with energy-efficient LED fixtures and controls to optimize lighting usage and energy consumption.

Renewable Energy Sourcese

Consider renewable energy solutions like solar panels to power lighting systems, reducing the environmental impact.

Daylight Harvesting

Implement smart lighting controls that adjust illumination levels based on the available natural light, maximizing energy efficiency.

Can Industrial Plant Lighting Reduce Energy Costs Significantly?

Can Industrial Plant Lighting Reduce Energy Costs Significantly?

Yes, by adopting energy-efficient solutions like LED lighting and implementing lighting controls, industrial plants can achieve substantial energy savings and reduce overall operational costs.

How Often Should Industrial Plant Lighting Be Maintained?

How Often Should Industrial Plant Lighting Be Maintained?

Regular maintenance is crucial for optimal performance. It’s recommended to schedule quarterly inspections and promptly replace faulty bulbs or fixtures to ensure consistent illumination.

Can Motion Sensors Be Integrated With Industrial Plant Lighting?

Can Motion Sensors Be Integrated With Industrial Plant Lighting?

Yes, motion sensors can be integrated, enabling the lights to turn on only when motion is detected, reducing energy waste and enhancing safety in low-traffic areas.

What Are The Typical ROI Periods For Industrial Plant Lighting Upgrades?

What Are The Typical ROI Periods For Industrial Plant Lighting Upgrades?

ROI periods vary based on factors like the scale of the plant, energy prices, and lighting usage. However, with energy-efficient upgrades, ROI periods are often achieved within a few years.

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