The roof of NewAge Industries' building houses over 4,000 photovoltaic solar panels that produce half of the company's electricity needs. Aside from reducing energy costs, why did NewAge choose to go solar?

"We're a responsible manufacturer," stated Ken Baker, NewAge's CEO, "and we've taken a number of green steps over the past several years. But the solar energy project was definitely the most ambitious."

The decision to invest in a renewable energy source was made after completing several other green projects. The company replaced its outdated warehouse lighting and exterior windows with energy efficient styles, installed screens on all dock doors to increase ventilation and reduce exhaust fan usage, reorganized its waste disposal to include recycling and compacting, and properly disposed of nearly 4,000 lbs. of electronic waste. Collectively the improvements helped NewAge reduce operation costs in addition to keeping the company environmentally accountable.

Going solar was the next logical step in NewAge's efforts to become a greener manufacturer and a sustainability leader. Many companies say they're green, but committing to and maintaining it requires resources such as money, time, and personnel. NewAge treats its green steps as an investment in itself, its team members, and the environment. The commitment comes from deep inside every team member.

The company's rooftop solar panel system produces one megawatt (MW) of electricity and is the sixth largest system of its type in Pennsylvania. A ribbon cutting ceremony attended by local dignitaries, members of the press, and other invited guests was held last year and included a plant tour and a trip to the rooftop to view the solar array up close. A presentation following the tour covered NewAge's journey from a small, family owned distributorship founded in 1954 to the manufacturer it is today.

"To see what you've done here is quite phenomenal," said U.S. Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick, R-8. "You're demonstrating an example a lot of other manufacturing organizations should take a look at." The congressman went on to say that NewAge is the "quintessential American success story."

"It's great to be able to do something so incredibly useful and green with the space on our rooftop," Baker said. "Saving money on our electric bill is a bonus."

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