Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Sustainable Products and Process Development

HomeCustomer SuccessesSustainable Products and Process Development

SPPD Icon Sustainable Products and Process Development

to gain competitive advantage and reduce environmental impact.

Sustainable practices, when enhanced with lean techniques, can be profitable. WMEP has partnered with BT Squared, Inc., a civil and environmental engineering firm, LogiServe, a logistics optimization service and others to help your operation eliminate waste through reductions in energy, resource use, transportation use, and non-recyclable waste.

Read how Wisconsin manufacturers are using Profitable Sustainabilty to reduce costs and improve quality.

  • Reliable Plating Works: Profitable Sustainability Saves $1 M

    SPPD IconReliable Plating Works Saves $1M with Lean & Green

    Profitable Sustainability - a business strategy that pays.

    “Green isn’t a just a trend or industry buzzword. It’s a...

  • ACH Foam Technologies Finds Energy Savings

    ACH Foam Technologies Finds Energy Savings in Heat Recovery Project

    For more than four decades, ACH Foam Technologies in Fond du Lac has been an industry leader in providing expanded polystyrene (EPS) products for the construction, geotechnical and packaging industries.  The company’s focus on sustainability is reflected in...

  • KCS International saves big with zoned heating

    The Company

    KCS International, Inc. a major employer in Oconto County, builds yachts from 30 to 56 feet under the brand names of Cruisers Yachts and Rampage.  When Bruce Allen, director of operations for KCS, heard about the Profitable Sustainability Initiative (PSI) pilot program from Steve...

  • Ball Corporation Makes a Cost-Savings Change

    The Company

    Ball Corporation’s facility in DeForest manufactures metal cans in various sizes for Midwestern fruit and vegetable packers. This facility was the original site of the Oconomowoc Canning Company and today employs approximately 100 people. 

    Ball Corporation has a well-developed sustainability strategy with the goal of making the company a sustainable enterprise...

  • Klondike packs savings into its operation through PSI

    The Company

    Klondike Cheese has been producing award-winning cheese at the same location in Monroe since the late 1800’s. The family-owned company employs 80 people and is a major area employer.

    The Buholzer family is focused on sustainability for financial reasons and also because of their concern for the environment. “We’re focused on sustainable practices to reduce the...

  • Quick Cable cuts waste and saves money

    The Company

    Quick Cable, based in Franksville, Wisconsin, is a privately-owned company that develops, manufactures, and sells battery and electrical connectors, cable, tools and related products for commercial and industrial equipment.  They are the leader in the North American market due to a strong focus on quality, innovation and customer service.

    “Manufacturing processes...

  • Gordon Aluminum Industries Success

    Gordon Aluminum Industries, Inc.

    Located in Schofield, Gordon Aluminum Industries, Inc. is one of the leading employers in Marathon County with 140 employees.  The company is a full service aluminum extruder offering anodizing, powder coating, and fabrication services. Industries served by Gordon Aluminum include truck...

  • AFW Reaps Big Savings and Environmental Benefits

    The Company

    AFW Foundry, Inc. will not be trucking 1,920 tons of sand per year to the landfill as a result of its participation in the Wisconsin Profitable Sustainability Initiative (PSI).  In addition, the company has achieved significant savings in landfill fees, transportation expenses and raw materials cost.

    Established in 1953, Lannon-based AFW Foundry supplies non-...

  • QPI + PSI = Profit

    Quality Packaging Inc. (QPI) was at a crossroads a few years ago when a key customer faced the loss of a critical consumer products account because QPI didn’t offer an environmentally friendly retail package.

    QPI’s president Ken Wills drew upon his extensive knowledge of processes and materials for retail packaging to invent a new...

  • Profitable Sustainability Initiative Helps Quality Packaging Grow Sales and Jobs

    SPPD IconProfitable Sustainability Initiative Helps Quality Packaging Grow Sales and Jobs

    In1985, Larry Wills was a successful sales representative for a distributor of packaging materials. His best customer was...