MANITOWOC, Wis., Nov. 18, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orion Energy Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:OESX) is implementing its integrated energy management system at a PepsiCo foods group facility in Curitiba, Brazil. The facility is expected to serve as a model for future PepsiCo facilities as well as a showcase of energy management best practices in Curitiba, a city known worldwide for its environmental leadership.
The new building is expected to incorporate the complete Orion integrated system, which includes its Compact Modular(tm) high-intensity fluorescent lighting platform, the wireless InteLite(tm) control system, and its patented Apollo(tm) Solar Light Pipe.
Orion's high-intensity fluorescent fixtures are about 50 percent more efficient than traditional high-intensity discharge lights. Adding the intelligence of the wireless InteLite(tm) control system, coupled with Apollo(tm) Solar Light Pipes, may allow the facility to realize light-related energy savings of up to 70 percent.
The PepsiCo facility will be used as a model for energy management best practices in Curitiba, a city known for its progressive, public transportation and environmentally friendly practices. The city's urban planning has piqued the interest of cities worldwide, including Seattle, Detroit and San Diego.
Klaus Pilz of Orion's business development team said Orion had to compete head-to-head with several other prominent lighting companies for the project. "At the end of the day, it was Orion's technology and expertise that brought us to the forefront," Pilz said. "Our expandable and integrated solution is more than just a lighting system and is unique in the marketplace because of the system's ability to intelligently and automatically adjust to on/off status depending on pre-set light levels, zone requirements and daylight availability.
"Also attractive to PepsiCo is the fact that they can depend on Orion for consulting on sound energy management practices now and into the future," Pilz said. "Finally, our ability to produce product and ship to Brazil in the short lead time of just two weeks sealed the deal."
"We're proud to be a part of this energy-efficiency project," said Orion President and CEO Neal Verfuerth. "The fact that the technology and performance of our systems allowed us to secure this opportunity demonstrates our differentiation versus our competitors and validates the importance of the ongoing research, development and innovation we are undertaking to establish Orion as the leading provider of energy management solutions."
In addition to the PepsiCo facility in Brazil, Orion has retrofitted more than 80 PepsiCo facilities in the United States.
Orion has deployed its energy management systems in 4,068 facilities across North America. Since 2001, Orion technology has displaced more than 386 megawatts, saving customers more than $455 million and reducing indirect carbon dioxide emissions by 4 million tons.
About Orion Energy Systems Inc.
Orion Energy Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:OESX) is a leading power technology enterprise that designs, manufactures and implements energy management systems, consisting primarily of high-performance, energy-efficient lighting systems, controls and related services for commercial and industrial customers without compromising their quantity or quality of light. For more information, visit www.oriones.com.
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