Energy management assistance for small and medium-size manufacturers, 1988--1989

Small and medium-size manufacturers continue to express strong confidence in and satisfaction with the energy-conserving and cost-saving services provided by the Energy Analysis and Diagnostic Centers. That conclusion is based upon in-depth interviews with 227 of the 340 manufacturers (67%) served during 1988-89 by an EADC. These interviews were conducted at the manufacturing plants by engineers from the Industrial Technology and Energy Management (ITEM) division of University City Science Center, which manages the EADC program under agreement with the Office of Industrial Programs, U.S. Department of Energy. University engineering faculty and a mix of graduate and undergraduate students who make up the staff of each EADC perform energy audits under subcontract to the Science Center at manufacturing plants which are located within about 150 miles of the university. This report presents the chief results obtained during two series of interviews with 67% of the manufacturers in 36 states served by 13 EADCs during 1988-89. These include the principal benefits derived by the manufacturers, the extent to which EADCs` recommendations are being understood and implemented, and the manufacturers` perceptions about the ways EADCs carry out their dual mission of industrial service and educational enrichment. The 227 manufacturers interviewed represent 19 different industries (2-digit SIC codes), and they collectively employed over 36,000 persons and sold more than $5.0 billion worth of products and services during the past year