Sustainability is becoming increasingly important across the manufacturing industry. Companies are looking for ways to reduce energy consumption, minimize waste, operate more efficiently, and lessen their environmental impact while continuing to provide the quality products their customers depend on.
At Simmons Knife & Saw, sustainability is an ongoing effort. Over the past several years, Simmons has taken steps to make its manufacturing and office operations more energy efficient and environmentally responsible. Some of these changes have involved significant investments, while others are simple changes to everyday processes.
Solar Power Provides a Foundation for Sustainability
One of Simmons’ most significant sustainability initiatives began in 2019, when the company installed solar panels on the roof of its production facility.
The solar installation provides approximately 70% of Simmons’ annual energy usage, significantly reducing the amount of electricity the company needs to obtain from the traditional power grid.
Many manufacturing companies like Simmons have production equipment and facilities that can require substantial amounts of energy, so this represents a meaningful step toward reducing Simmons’ overall environmental impact.
However, the solar panels are just one part of a broader effort to make Simmons’ operations more sustainable.
Identifying Opportunities for Improvement
In 2023, Simmons took another important step by engaging the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) to conduct a green audit of the company’s facilities.
The audit gave Simmons an opportunity to take a closer look at how energy and other resources were being used throughout the company and identify areas where improvements could be made.
Following SEDAC’s recommendations, along with an internal review of Simmons’ operations, the company began implementing a variety of changes.
Improving Energy Efficiency
Several of Simmons’ completed initiatives have focused on reducing energy consumption and improving the efficiency of its facilities.
Two older rooftop HVAC units have been replaced with newer, more efficient traditional rooftop units, and two additional units are scheduled for replacement. Two other units will be retired rather than replaced.
Simmons has also installed two high-volume, low-speed (HVLS) fans to improve air circulation throughout the production environment.
New window shades have also been installed throughout the facility. On sunny days, the shades help reduce the amount of heat entering the building, which can reduce the need for cooling. During the winter, they also help retain heat inside the facility.
Together, these initiatives are part of a larger effort to make Simmons’ facilities more energy efficient.
Reducing Waste and Improving Recycling
Sustainability isn’t only about energy consumption. Reducing waste and improving how materials are handled are also important parts of Simmons’ efforts.
Simmons has added recycling bins at key locations throughout its office and production facilities and posted additional recycling signage to make recycling more accessible and easier to understand for employees.
The company has also taken steps to reduce the amount of disposable material used in production. Wherever possible, Simmons’ production team has switched to using leather gloves rather than disposable gloves. When disposable gloves are necessary, their use is minimized and they are recycled promptly after use. This approach has also carried over to how Simmons handles its used wooden pallets; choosing to continuously recycle them instead of throwing them away.
Additionally, Simmons has reduced spill risk in its production facilities by installing a new secondary containment solution, helping provide an additional layer of protection against spills.
Choosing More Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies
Simmons is also looking at the everyday products used throughout its facilities. As a result, the company has begun transitioning to more eco-friendly cleaning supplies. By doing so, Simmons can incorporate sustainability into routine facility maintenance while continuing to maintain a clean and safe work environment.
Reducing Paper Use
Another area of focus is reducing unnecessary paper consumption.
Simmons is actively working to receive and process more invoices electronically. The company has also stopped routinely printing credit card receipts for expense purposes, instead saving electronic versions in a centralized location.
Within production, Simmons is moving toward double-sided printing for job orders where printing is still necessary. The company is also working to limit printing associated with purchase orders, sales orders, emails, and other day-to-day business activities.
These may seem like small changes, but reducing unnecessary printing across an organization can add up over time.
Looking to Continuously Improve
Sustainability is not a one-time project. Simmons is continuing to evaluate its operations and look for additional opportunities to reduce waste and resource consumption.
Among the initiatives currently being explored or implemented are:
- Reducing data storage by moving to cloud-based services wherever possible
- Evaluating the replacement of paper towel dispensers with hand dryers
- Monitoring energy usage at individual electrical panels to better understand where energy is being consumed
- Continuing to identify opportunities to reduce paper use and increase electronic processes
These efforts are intended to help Simmons better understand its resource consumption and make informed decisions about where future improvements can have the greatest impact.
Sustainability Is an Ongoing Effort
We recognize that sustainability is a continuous process. Individual changes won’t make manufacturing operations sustainable overnight. Meaningful progress comes from looking at all operations, identifying opportunities for improvement, and consistently making better choices.
Our solar installation in 2019 and SEDAC energy audit in 2023 provided important milestones in Simmons’ sustainability journey. The improvements we’ve made since then demonstrate that commitment, while the initiatives we’re currently working on will help us continue moving forward.
Contact us today to learn more about Simmons and our journey towards sustainability!
English 
Spanish