Let There Be Light: StoneWorks is Powering the Future by Investing in Solar Energy
In the past two posts, you learned how StoneWorks has implemented best practices in air and water quality to provide safe and environmentally friendly working conditions for their craftspeople to work with tile, quartz, porcelain, and natural stone. Brian Baltzegar, the general manager for the Fabrication Center in Beaufort and son of StoneWorks’ founder John Baltzegar, invited us to his 779 Robert Smalls Parkway location to see firsthand how light quality and solar energy are fueling his business, too.
“A well-lit fabrication center makes a big difference in our employee’s performance and our overall production,” explained Brian. “They are more able to see minor imperfections and LED lighting throughout has made the shop much brighter. The lighting is another upward step in creating our state-of-the-art facility.”
Walking through the fabrication center, you notice Brian’s words in action immediately—especially because the space is so luminous and airy. The entire shop is well-organized into workstations that flow seamlessly from one to another. The assistance of a grid-like pattern of machinery facilitates the placement of the large slabs, lowering the instances of strain or injury. Also in a very strategic pattern, the floor has drains throughout. The water-boot-clad employees easily move about these workstations and truly seem happy and focused. During the tour, one worker was inspecting a slab. After greeting the employee, Brian explained, “You will notice he is looking for blemishes, and because of the lighting he has great visibility. He will then mark the blemishes with blue tape, we will take a photo of the slab and work to avoid the marks. We usually make a plan to work around them, unless of course, the client wants the imperfections and some do.”
Just as the original building & air conditioning unit gave StoneWorks the idea and incentive to improve the air quality, the building’s original large flat roof was ideal for exploring the efficiency of solar energy panels. “We always wanted to go solar, and this building and location was perfect for it,” said Brian. “It gets direct sunlight all day long.”
For the solar panels, Brian explained StoneWorks enlisted the expertise of Boss Energy. “Boss Energy installed 629 solar modules produced in Dalton, GA. There are government incentives for installing, and we wanted to take full advantage and save on energy costs, as well as be more environmentally conscious.”
With the solar panels, StoneWorks will reduce carbon emissions by 5,520 pounds over a 20-year period. “Boss Energy tells us the panels will cover 76% of our power needs. This is a major reduction in energy cost.”
But the true bottom line for StoneWorks is their employees’ satisfaction within the workplace, which in turn enables them to provide the best possible product for their clients. Brian attributes the awards StoneWorks has received to his employees. “They are a great team and an awesome group of people.”
This post wraps up our Air, Wind & Sun Series about how StoneWorks is investing in the future for their customers, their employees, and the community!
Work with StoneWorks of the Lowcountry
If you can dream it, StoneWorks can fabricate it! Set up a private appointment to start designing your dream kitchen, bath or outdoor space for your home or business today. Or come browse with us at our Bluffton Showroom or Beaufort Fabrication Center! We are open Monday through Friday 9AM to 4PM for walk-in visitors. If you’d like to set up a one-on-one appointment with a StoneWorks designer, please call our showroom to schedule an appointment at 843-689-6980.
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