Purpose built facility serving Indian automotive and industrial markets has low carbon footprint and minimal use of energy
ARaymond Network** uncompromising commitment to a sustainable environment has been illustrated with the opening of the first purpose built plant in India by one of the worldwide leaders in fastening and assembly solutions.
The new facility, in Chakan, near Pune, in the state of Maharashtra in Western India, was officially opened in October, and is able to provide its customers across the country with parts that are specifically designed for the local Indian market. A range of ARaymond™ plastic fasteners are being manufactured at the site, which is primarily supplying India's automotive market, as well as its large industrial market. From 2015, it also plans to meet the demand for fastening solutions from India’s growing renewable energies sector.
The ARaymond* plant in India is set to become one of the few manufacturing facilities in the country to receive the LEED New Construction (NC) Gold certification. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is an internationally recognized rating system for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of green buildings, homes and neighborhoods.
ARaymond in India, which was first established in 2007 and has until recently used a separate design and manufacturing facility close to Chakan, has spent around 8% of its budget for the new purpose built plant on ensuring it has a reduced carbon footprint and minimal energy consumption, and in order to do so has focused on the five essential elements of the construction - soil, energy, water, air and materials.
Prior to even starting construction of the plant, ARaymond removed around 2,500 cubic meters of fertile black cotton top soil on the site chosen for the new building so that it could be conserved and utilized for landscaping elsewhere.
In order to maximize the use of energy at the plant, the Indian company has installed an evaporative cooling system that consumes 80% less energy per year than a standard air conditioning system, while still providing comfort for all staff. In addition, 160.1 MWh per year is saved because artificial light is not required during the day due to extensive use of glass, and 400 MWh per year is saved through energy efficient LED street lighting and T5 compact fluorescent lamp (CFL)-based internal lighting luminaire, as well as automatic motion sensors.
Daily use of water is 77% lower than with a conventional building due to low-flow plumbing fixtures, a dual flush system and water recycling. In addition, an aquifer recharge system is used, with almost 300 cubic meters per day of rain water (equivalent to the daily water requirement of 500 households) collected from the roof top, and recharged into the ground water system.
ARaymond is also planting trees close to the facility in order to balance the plant's industrial emissions. The plantations are estimated to absorb nearly 4,200 kg CO2 per year (equivalent to the amount produced by a car driving 40,000 km) of the total emissions generated by the factory.
Meanwhile, the materials used for both the building envelope and the internal elements of the building contain 19% recycled content.
“This plant reflects our key values – respect for the environment, people, and local laws,” said Manish Padharia, the managing director of the Indian company. “A sustainable approach is very important for our clients – each and every customer talks a lot about this. We are also ensuring that the facility provides a comfortable and enjoyable working experience for all our staff.”
The new ARaymond plant currently carries out core processes including product development, plastic injection molding and assembly. In 2014, Rayce, ARaymond advanced R&D resource, which is present in several key markets of the ARaymond Network, will open an R&D centre at the Chakan plant,. And in 2015, the plant will extend into the production of metal fasteners.
The facility currently employs 107 people, with plans to grow the number of staff to 250 by 2016. In India, ARaymond will be hiring talent from the surrounding area, creating additional employment opportunities for local people.
*ARaymond" refers, in this Article, to ARAYMOND FASTENERS INDIA Pvt. Ltd, located in G.No. 259,276/8B - Nighoje, Taluka – Khed -Pune 410501 INDIA, registered under the registration number: N°U24139PN2007PTC133150, which is an independent company of ARAYMOND Network and is the editor of this Article and is responsible for this Article..
** "ARaymond Network” means a network of independent companies.
ARAYMOND™ is used as a trademark.