On April 8, 2011, Seco Tools hosted business leaders as well as federal, state and local officials at an event inaugurating the operation of the new solar photovoltaic (PV) system installed at the company’s Lenoir City, Tennessee production facility. Modern Machine Shop was represented by Associate Publisher Kent Luciano. According to the company’s news release, the new array of solar panels is capable of generating more than 37,000 kWh of energy annually—enough to power more than three Tennessee homes for a year.
This installation reflects Seco Tool’s interest and dedication to “green” production and operation. A global company, Seco Tools has 40 wholly owned subsidiaries, agents and distributors in more than 50 countries around the world. The solar PV system in Lenoir City is the company’s first such installation.
It’s worth noting that Seco Tools relied heavily on local companies and products for this project. The 29.6-kW system was developed, designed and constructed by Efficient Energy of Tennessee, LLC (EETN) of Powell, Tennessee. 126 SHARP solar modules comprise the system. These modules are manufactured in Memphis using AGC Flat Glass, which is manufactured in Kingsport, Tennessee. The installation of the system was supported by the Lenoir City Utilities Board (LCUB) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) under the TVA Generation Partnership Program. Other local companies, agencies and organizations also provided support or contributed materially to this project.
Of course, the event attracted coverage by the local news media. Watch the report broadcast by WATE Channel 6 TV in Knoxville.
