A shining example

Atlas Copco’s production facility in Chakan, India, opened in 2013 and was designed for top performance right from start. The factory produces a wide range of screw compressors, pneumatic tools and lighting towers for the Indian and global market. The straight, lean manufacturing lines are highly efficient, resulting in quality, production and on-time delivery. Built as a green building in accordance with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) principles, the facility has very high environmental ambitions. For example, the roof is insulated to avoid the need for air conditioning, which otherwise would be a must, especially during summer with temperatures reaching over 40 degrees. “We are also installing a new, super-efficient fan that will replace the old ventilators while using much less electricity. Our rainfall harvesting system provides us with all the water we need for eight months a year. This system is combined with water recycling and drip irrigation of plants, who have been carefully chosen based on how well they produce oxygen, handle recycled water and their low water consumption. We are very proud of this, but it doesn’t stop us from raising our ambition level. We want to be world-leading in eco-friendly industrial manufacturing,” says General Manager Frederic Genestout. Since March 2018, the factory is powered with solar cells covering about a third of the factory roof. About 80% of the energy used now comes from this renewable source, reducing the carbon dioxide emissions with 600 tons annually. It also gives autonomy – a big plus in India where stable power supply can be a challenge. “The plant can now work all day without any service interruption. But it doesn’t only cover our own needs. When the plant is closed, like on Sundays, the solar panels still generate green energy to the grid that can be used by the community and other companies in the area,” Frederic concludes.