Electrolux Group has taken a significant step towards net-zero emissions in its factories with the commissioning of a new electric-powered furnace at its Adelaide facility in Dudley Park.
The $3.5 million furnace is a world-first for the Electrolux Group and replaces the existing gas-fired furnace, which was installed in 1984.
It was commissioned during an on-site ceremony with Nick Champion MP, Minister for Trade and Investment, Minister for Housing and Urban Development and Minister for Planning and Electrolux Group senior vice president of product line taste, Christopher Duncan, in attendance.
The dismantling of the old gas furnace and installation of a new electric-powered model demonstrates the company’s commitment to investing in Australian manufacturing, according to Electrolux general manager of operations, Phil Saloniklis.
“Electrolux Group is committed to continually investing in critical infrastructure in Adelaide. This project continues our commitment to seek renewable energy alternatives in our factories,” he said.
Pictured L to R: Atul Badgujar (Electrolux), Estha van der Linden (Australian Industry Group), Phil Saloniklis (Electrolux), Christopher Duncan (Electrolux), Nick Champion MP (Minister for Trade and Investment South Australia), Cibele Rodrigues (Electrolux), David Belcher (Electrolux), Belinda Toner (Electrolux) & Kehua Huang (Electrolux).
Reaching temperatures of up to 900oC, the furnace forms a key part of the appliance enamelling process. It is capable of outputting up to 240 60cm oven cavities every hour with a firing time of four minutes per cavity. The overall performance reduces energy consumption by approximately 70%.
“The furnace investment complements the installation of over 8,000 solar panels to power the facility and our Zero Waste to Landfill certification,” Saloniklis added.
“We will continue to research ways to utilise renewable energy and reduce the impact of our global operations. The Dudley Park site is leading the Electrolux Group globally with the installation of this furnace,” Electrolux Group Australia and New Zealand managing director, Kurt Hegvold said.
Electrolux’s Adelaide factory produces approximately 350,000 appliances annually to service the Australian and New Zealand markets with exports to North America, the Middle East, South Africa and the Asia Pacific region.
Electrolux is the only home appliance company still manufacturing in Australia, employing approximately 450 South Australians at its Dudley Park facility.
Feature image: Electrolux Group senior vice president of product line taste, Christopher Duncan & Minister for Trade and Investment South Australia, Nick Champion MP.