Lafayette Caterpillar gets LED lights

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) -  Caterpillar's Lafayette Engine Center now employs more energy-efficient light fixtures.

The Caterpillar Plant of Lafayette is now the largest facility in the nation to implement the fully recyclable LED lighting system, according to the facility's General Manager Bruce Schuver. Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski said Caterpillar's efforts should set an example for other local businesses.
 

"When you have someone the size of Caterpillar that takes such a significant step in that; one, as I said, works well for the environment. But it's also important for their employees. It's a win-win for the community on a lot of different levels," said Roswarski.

Caterpillar kept the project local by hiring a local company, Kirby Risk Electrical Supply, to install the lighting. John Burke, President of Kirby Risk, said that the quality of light at Caterpillar's Lafayette facility is now four times better, and that the new fixtures are about 30% more energy-efficient than the ones they replaced.

Greater Lafayette Commerce President and CEO Joe Seaman said the local collaboration makes the announcement even more important.

"It's always special to have a group like Caterpillar and Kirby Risk, any time we can use our own local suppliers, our own local workers to support our major manufacturers in expanding, renovations, etc. it is always very important," said Seaman.

Schuver said the cut in energy costs is important, but may not necissarily translate into more hiring opportunities.

"It means the opportunity to have cost-effective production here continue, and the opportunity to better compete in the marketplace." said Shuver.

The new lighting system covers 750,000 square feet of manufacturing space at the Lafayette facility.