Mack Macungie plant helps Volvo Group North America meet green goals early

The Volvo Group’s goal under the program, which is run by the U.S. Department of Energy, was to reduce energy consumption at its eight U.S. manufacturing plants between 2009 and 2012.

According to Volvo, by the end of 2014 it had met its goal, reducing energy consumption by 26.8 percent compared to 2009. Volvo said it was one of only 11 companies to meet its goal ahead of time.

While it has reached the goal, Volvo said it intends to continue energy-saving efforts.

“One of the Volvo Group’s core values is environmental care,” said Rick Robinson, director of health, safety and environment for the company. “Reaching this milestone required the diligence and dedication of all our employees, and we will continue to strive for improved energy efficiency.”

The Macungie plant has been a leader in the initiative to reduce energy consumption. The company announced late last year that, at the time, three of its manufacturing sites – Macungie, New River Valley (Virginia) and Hagerstown (Maryland) – held the top three positions in the Department of Energy’s Superior Energy Performance program, recording the highest energy performance improvements among platinum level partners.