Ardagh plants rated Energy Star

Ardagh Group continues to be the only glass container manufacturer with four Energy Star plant certifications from the Environmental Protection Agency, and Dunkirk’s plant is one of those four.
Other Ardagh plants with Energy Star ratings for superior energy performance are located in Bridgeton, New Jersey; Madera, California; and Milford, Massachusetts.
To earn the rating, the plants must perform within the top 25 percent nationally for energy efficiency when compared to similar plants.
Energy performance was improved at the plants by upgrading furnaces, using recycled glass, installing energy-efficient lighting fixtures, repairing air compressor leaks and taking a variety of other initiatives.
Energy Star was introduced by the EPA in 1992. It’s a voluntary, market-based program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our business by upgrading and optimizing our manufacturing operations and focusing on recycling programs at our facilities,” said John Riordan, president and chief executive officer of Ardagh Group, Glass-North America, in a prepared statement.
Ardagh is also the parent company for the former Anchor Glass plant in Winchester.

Expanding
Naturally Recycled Proteins has announced plans to invest nearly $10 million more in its Montpelier facility, adding 24,000 square feet to its plant and creating six new jobs.
The company produces protein additives for pet foods and had established its third manufacturing facility in Montpelier in 2011. It now employs nearly 50 at its 48,000 square foot plant. It also operates plants in Iowa and Nebraska.
Montpelier approved tax abatements to help with the decision to invest in the local plant.
“Since our initial investment here in 2011, we have been thrilled with the success of our Montpelier operation,” said Al Koch, the company’s chief executive officer, in a prepared statement.

Joining board
The vice president of finance for Huntington University has been named to the board of directors of First Bank of Berne.
Gregory Smitley, Fort Wayne, has 33 years of banking experience prior to joining Huntington University. He’s a past chief operating officer for IAB Financial Bank and past president of Markle Bank.
At Huntington University, he serves as chief financial officer and chief operating officer and serves on the university’s senior leadership team, the board finance committee and the board investment committee.
He received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Huntington University and a master’s degree in business administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. He is also an honors graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin.

Webcast set
Allegheny Technologies Inc., parent company of Portland Forge, will provide a webcast of its conference call with investors and analysts to discuss second quarter results. The webcast will take place at 8:30 a.m. July 26. To access the webcast go to http://www.ATImetals.com and select “Conference Call.”

School supplies
Portland Motor Parts, the local NAPA dealer, and Tarter Realty Auction and Appraisal Co. of Winchester are teaming up for a school supply drive for area kids.
Both businesses are collecting school supplies and will match all items and cash that are donated.
Among the items being collected are glue sticks and glue bottles, 24-count boxes of crayons, dry erase markers, No. 2 pencils, pink erasers, pocket folders, lined paper, colored pencil, highlighters, Kleenex, anti-bacterial wipes, Ziplock bags, Clorox wipes, three-ring binders, art boxes, and paint brushes.
Portland Motor Parts is located at 401 N. Meridian St., Portland. Tarter Realty is at 103 N. Meridian St., Winchester.