MANITOWOC, Wis., March 31, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orion Energy Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:OESX) of Manitowoc, Wis., was awarded the 2008 Plant Engineering magazine Product of the Year Grand Award for its Apollo(tm) Light Pipe, a direct renewable solar lighting source that can reduce a company's light-related energy costs to zero for up to 10 hours a day.
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Orion received the award on Monday at Plant Engineering's Manufacturing Summit in Charleston, S.C. More than 135 products from throughout the world were named finalists for the awards and the winner was chosen by Plant Engineering's readers.
"In 2008, our readers focused on efficiency and energy," said Bob Vavra, editor of Plant Engineering magazine. "Energy was a major driver and we're pleased that our readers recognize this as important and we're very pleased to be honoring our Grand Award winner at our 21st annual Product of the Year awards to Orion Energy Systems and the Apollo(tm) Light Pipe."
Orion's Apollo(tm) Light Pipe harvests daylight and directs it to the work area of a facility using no electricity. When integrated with a facility's lighting system and ambient light sensors, and when illumination levels from the light pipe reach a desired point, electric lights will automatically shut off, all or in part until needed again.
"The Apollo(tm) Light Pipe is engineered to provide maximum light output using the least expensive source available: the sun," said Vice President Tony Bartol of Orion who, as the primary engineer for the light pipe, accepted the award on Monday. "Through extensive research and development, we eliminated the historic problems associated with traditional day-lighting technology. The Apollo is manufactured using high-grade aluminum to prevent corrosion, is completely resistant to leaks and condensation, and installation cost is far less than any other day-lighting product on the market."
The Apollo(tm) Light Pipe has been deployed at some of Orion's largest customers, including a Polo-Ralph Lauren facility in Greensboro, N.C., and Sysco Foods facilities in Boise, Idaho, and Albany, N.Y. At a Coca-Cola warehouse in Milwaukee, Wis., more than 120 Apollo(tm) Light Pipes provide natural daylight for up to 10 hours a day, saving the beverage giant significantly on light-related energy costs.
In addition to the environmental and cost-saving benefits, the Apollo(tm) Light Pipe can positively affect employees' moral and productivity. Some advantages of the natural light provided by the light pipes include reduced worker illness and injury, enhanced worker productivity, and improved visual acuity, reduced eyestrain and fewer headaches.
"The direct renewable Apollo(tm) Light Pipe is transforming the way companies illuminate their facilities by taking them completely off the grid for lighting during peak demand periods," said Orion President and CEO Neal Verfuerth. "The fastest solution to this country's energy crisis is in energy efficient technology that's available now. The facility manager and maintenance readers' votes are evidence that commercial and industrial companies are looking for energy-efficient technology that bring significant reductions, is economically viable, and good for the environment. The Apollo is the first truly industrial day-lighting solution."
Recently, Orion Energy Systems and the Apollo Light Pipe were applauded by President Barack Obama during a White House speech about the important role energy-efficiency will play in job creation and a clean-energy future.
Orion has deployed its energy management systems in 4,387 facilities across North America. Since 2001, Orion technology has displaced more than 423 megawatts, saving customers more than $514 million and reducing indirect carbon dioxide emissions by 4.3 million tons.
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.oesx.com.
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