By Danny Gavin, AEM Communications Coordinator —
Old Dominion Brush Company has a longstanding history in Richmond, Virginia, providing family-sustaining jobs for the surrounding community, creating innovative products, and encouraging sustainability in all facets of their operations.
“We are especially focused on employee appreciation and sustainability. When it comes to sustainability, we are tackling it from a product and process standpoint and we’ve been able to reduce our carbon footprint and increase our efficiencies over the past few years,” said Mudit Monsi, operations manager for Old Dominion Bush Company.
The AEM Manufacturing Express, the largest public engagement in the association’s 130-year history, was proud to make a stop at Old Dominion on Tuesday, Sept. 10. For more information and to follow along with the tour, visit manufacturingexpress.org.
From Push Brooms to Pushing Sustainability Forward
Old Dominion had humble beginnings: as the company got its start making push brooms around 114 years ago before heading in a more industrial direction. With addition of a variety of innovative product lines over the years, Old Dominion is now helping to keep public spaces clean in communities across the United States, while keeping energy-efficiency at the forefront.
The company's focus on sustainability is evident in their facility, and Monsi explained that there isn’t just one way to tackle the topic. A multi-pronged approach is needed to reduce emissions and keep a facility running efficiently. And Old Dominion serves as a fitting example for other companies to follow, as many of their initiatives are small, but make an enormous impact when looking at the big picture. Some of the many ways that Old Dominion is tackling sustainability in its Richmond facility include:
- LED Lighting Conversion: Monsi mentioned the ongoing transition to LED lighting within the company’s Richmond facility has drastically reduced energy consumption overall.
- Renewable Energy Usage: Due to efforts within the past two to three years, approximately 14% of the company’s electricity comes from renewable sources, indicating Old Dominion’s commitment to sustainable energy.
- Water Consumption Reduction: Through a new parts washer, which separates runoff and recycles water, a 30% reduction in water consumption has been achieved.
- Recycling Practices: The company makes recycling a focal point in their operations, including all steel offcuts being recycled, cardboard, and corrugated materials, all pallets are made of 100% recyclable materials, as well as the use of biodegradable detergents. He went on to say that the addition of using a garbage compacting service has reduced the emissions that the facility generates indirectly running trash to landfills.
- Innovative Manufacturing Processes: Old Dominion employs green manufacturing processes, such as harmonically annealing fans (instead of using large ovens after the welding process), significantly reducing energy usage, as well as the use of electric tools and energy efficient equipment.
When it comes to the equipment that the company manufactures, there are additional efficiencies that contribute to its sustainability efforts. “Within our product line, we are still the only manufacturer of debris collectors that has an eco-mode feature,” said Monsi. “Other debris collectors are running on high power all the time, but we have a patented eco-mode feature that detects when the collector is not in use and ramps down the engine RPM, using less fuel.” Old Dominion’s patented single engine unit eliminates one engine from typical debris collection applications, reducing overall emissions in operation. In addition to keeping communities clean from scheduled public service operations, Old Dominion’s equipment is also key in reducing debris runoff to drains and basins after storms and snow events.
From process to final product, Old Dominion continues to think of innovative ways to reduce its emissions and keep both its facility and its end users on the forefront of sustainable products. The company has no plan to slow down and will continue to provide equipment that keeps the surrounding environment clean for years to come.
“We’re not a large facility, so everyone here knows each other and interacts with each other – while we provide innovative solutions for our customer needs, I think the big value that we build here is our sense of community.” -- Old Dominion's Mudit Monsi
Employee Appreciation is a Mainstay
Monsi said Old Dominion is vocal about making sure its employees understand how much they are valued, by the company and by the equipment manufacturing industry as a whole, during its AEM Manufacturing Express stop last week.
Old Dominion officials frequently express their appreciation for staff, and Monsi noted that it was important to provide these opportunities for staff to connect with one another. The company holds staff events with some frequency – in the spring, staff participate in a March Madness tournament, setting up a basketball hoop and shooting free throws in the facility. “It’s good to get everyone active, and we try to host events like our March Madness tournament, or our corn hole tournament in the winter or spring to make that happen,” said Monsi.
Old Dominion serves as a fantastic example of putting its community first, focusing on creating a close team of employees and a sustainable working environment. Old Dominion employees participate in food and backpack drives to serve the community. Many other organizations could take a page out of Old Dominion’s book, making small sustainable changes that make significant impact in the long run, and fostering a collaborative workforce that knows that they are appreciated.
“We’re not a large facility, so everyone here knows each other and interacts with each other – while we provide innovative solutions for our customer needs, I think the big value that we build here is our sense of community,” said Monsi.
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