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Germany’s ebm-papst energy scouts journey to U.S. on green mission

Energy scouts from ebm-papst in Mulfingen, Germany, recently completed a one-week visit to the U.S. The students spent time at the company’s U.S. subsidiary—ebm-papst Inc. in Farmington, Conn.—where they presented their expertise to colleagues and shared their experiences with more than 200 employees.

The energy scouts program helps raise awareness on topics of climate protection, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Their mission is to help businesses lower energy consumption in production while increasing sustainability. They also focus on encouraging younger generations to help shape their future by taking an active and responsible role in sustainability.

Armed with tools including a thermal imaging camera and compressed-air measuring devices, the energy scouts also conducted energy assessments at Sound Mfg. Inc., a precision sheet metal manufacturer in Old Saybrook, Conn., and at TRUMPF Inc., a Farmington manufacturer of industrial laser and fabricating equipment. They identified specific energy leaks and made suggestions to each facility on how to reduce energy waste and maximize their resources.

“The program not only enables TRUMPF to become more efficient in the production of our fabricating equipment, it also provides an invaluable opportunity for the apprentices—an understanding and knowledge that they will carry and apply throughout their careers,” said Stephan Bundschu, vice president, engineering and manufacturing, for TRUMPF.

The energy scouts also stopped at Howell Cheney Technical High School, Manchester, Conn., where they presented their mission and accomplishments to their peers in the HVAC, plumbing, and carpentry trade programs.