Heyco® Toms River Environmental Projects: New Drying System
At Heyco®, we’re taking steps to shrink our environmental footprint and cut down on energy costs. This year, we're updating key equipment in our molding room to boost efficiency, making a noticeable difference in our energy consumption.
Why it matters: Our old dryers and air conditioning units in the molding room consume a great deal of energy. By swapping them out for more energy-efficient models, we’re aiming to cut electricity use by up to 70% in affected areas. This not only reduces our environmental impact but also helps us save on operating costs—savings that ultimately benefit our customers and the community.
How we’re doing it: Right now, our molding room uses nylon 66, which needs precise moisture control. To keep things in check, we've been relying on two old twin-bed desiccant dryers that are almost 30 years old and are not energy efficient. In July 2024, we upgraded to a cutting-edge desiccant wheel system that offers 30% more capacity and smart features to optimize performance. This new setup is designed for better desiccant regeneration and will reduce electricity use by approximately 70%.
Sensitive materials in our molding room require a climate-controlled environment with low humidity. Our six 45-ton air conditioning units, originally installed in 1997, currently utilize the outdated and environmentally harmful refrigerant R-12. Beginning this year, we are initiating a phased replacement of these units, starting with two, as part of our commitment to reducing energy consumption and eliminating R-12, resulting in approximately 20% energy savings. Additionally, we anticipate further reductions in electricity usage as the new equipment is installed.
These upgrades are more than just equipment swaps—they’re part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, making a real-world impact on both our business and the environment.