Organic Waste Treatment
Large Steel Manufacturer 21% Water Cost Reduction with ABS Meter Efficiency Valve
- Location
Ontario, Canada
- Global Adjustment Class
A Class
- Program
Industrial Conservation Initiative (ICI)
Founded in 1979, a Canadian-based steel manufacturing plant became a leading player in the steel industry, offering a wide array of products and services such as automotive slit coil, pickling, cut-to-length, blanking slit coil, automotive tube, and tubular parts.
With over forty years in steel processing, manufacturing, and distribution, the company now runs 19 locations across North America and is expanding with new facilities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
This case study illustrates the substantial cost reductions and sustainability advantages that innovative water management strategies can deliver in the steel manufacturing sector.
Our primary motivations for connecting with Active Business Services were the increasing costs associated with operations due to rising energy rates, and that Active’s values aligned with our own. At the end of the day, financial benefits are great but we also want to work with organizations that share our core values and beliefs.
Kevin Reilly (CPA, CA) Director of Finance at Convertus Group
The Challenge
The steel manufacturer faced rising water expenses alongside growing operational demand. To address this, they partnered with Active Business Services (ABS) to improve efficiency and reduce costs through water usage optimization.
ABS conducted a detailed review and found that water consumption and associated costs were increasing year-over-year. Steel manufacturing is inherently water-intensive, making accurate measurement and efficiency critical.
A key issue identified during the on-site assessment was the lack of a system to optimize water consumption and ensure meter accuracy. Fluctuating water pressure and surges were causing inaccuracies, leading to higher costs.
- Enhance Water Meter Efficiency: Ensure the water meter operates within ideal flow parameters for precise control
- Reduce Unnecessary Costs: Eliminate overcharges caused by pressure fluctuations
- Equipment Protection: Protect machinery from pressure surges and water hammer
- Enhance Water Efficiency: Improve overall water usage to drive cost savings and environmental benefits
The Solution
Turning Air into Savings
The MEV ensures that organizations are billed only for actual water usage, not air present in water lines. By eliminating air in the system: – Measurement accuracy improves – Billing becomes more precise – Cost savings are realized without necessarily reducing total water usageStrategic Planning and Implementation
The installation required careful planning, including employee training, equipment recalibration, and integration with existing infrastructure. ABS provided full support throughout the process to ensure a smooth transition and successful implementation.Sustainable Success
Beyond cost savings, the company achieved a reduced environmental footprint, improved water efficiency, and progress toward sustainability goals.The Result
Saving $345,000 in Water Costs and Growing
After installing the MEV in 2021, the company saw measurable improvements in efficiency. Steel production increased, water usage per ton decreased, and cost per ton dropped.
The company achieved a 21.29% reduction in water cost per ton and savings of over $345,000 since implementation.
“The ABS Team’s professional experience on Water Cost Reduction Programs has yielded over 21% savings since September 2021, effectively reducing the cost to produce our steel. It continues to be a pleasure to work with ABS.”
General Manager
Large Steel Manufacturer
Stoney Creek, ON, Canada
Discover the potential of Active Business Services’ Meter Efficiency Valve for your facility.
Email: commercial@activebusinessservices.com
Phone: 416.238.5540