American Medical Systems is a cool place.
And AMS is saving about 20 percent on the air conditioning, or about $30,000 annually, thanks to an unspecified, six-figure investment earlier this year in new energy-saving equipment at the company's Minnetonka manufacturing facility.
The new system also will generate a one-time $50,000 rebate from Xcel Energy.
Trane, the equipment manufacturer, also has named AMS one of only several global manufacturers this year to receive its "energy efficiency leader" award for its commitment to create a "high-performance building."
"We sleep better at night knowing that these infrastructure systems safeguard the carefully controlled manufacturing environment that our business depends upon," said Tom Rasmussen, vice president of operations at AMS. "Knowing that these systems reduce energy costs and are environmentally aware makes us feel even better about our decisions. In fact, even when the temperature topped 100 degrees ... the cooling system maintained the ideal environment while running at only 60 percent of capacity."
AMS has taken other steps to improving comfort and employee satisfaction through flexible-work schedules and recognition of employee-inspired innovation.
The company, a global manufacturer of devices and therapies for pelvic health, cited a recent study by the University of San Diego and CB Richard Ellis that found workers in green buildings had greater productivity and used less sick time than those working in non-green buildings.
TRAINING FOR GREEN JOBS
GreenPower, the manufacturing-training initiative focused on cutting waste, energy and embracing alternative technologies, is getting traction.