The Town of Whitby and Enbridge Gas Ontario have awarded a $25,000 grant to North American Steel to support energy-efficiency improvements at its Whitby facility. The manufacturer is the first recipient of Whitby's Industrial Energy Challenge, a pilot program for local industrial projects aimed at reducing natural gas use while supporting efficiency and competitiveness.
North American Steel has operated in Whitby since 1972 and manufactures steel racking systems. The company powder-coats racks and uses large industrial ovens to dry and cure the finish; the Town says that stage accounts for approximately 90 per cent of the company’s natural gas use.
The grant will help fund air curtains at the entrance and exit of the dry-off oven. The barriers are intended to keep heat inside the oven and remove excess water from steel before it enters. The project is expected to reduce natural gas use by up to about seven per cent each year.
The Town says the work is expected to be completed in early 2027. North American Steel's vice-president of corporate development, Stosh Fabricius, said the company was honoured to receive the award and appreciates support for local efforts to innovate and grow sustainably.
Whitby says the Industrial Energy Challenge supports its Climate Emergency Response Plan and net-zero emissions target for 2045. The program is also intended to advance the Town’s economic-development strategy through innovation, resilience and sustainable business growth.
Source: Town of Whitby — https://www.whitby.ca/news/posts/25-000-investment-helps-whitby-manufacturer-cut-energy-use-and-costs
