Jason Pitt of Made in Group, praises sustainable practices during visit to Ecam in Stoke-on-Trent
In a recent visit to Ecam Engineering, a member of Made in the Midlands and a fantastic family business, Jason Pitt, the CEO of Made in Group, took note of the impressive strides the company has made under the leadership of its Managing Director, Philip Arme. Established in 1968, Ecam Engineering has been a stalwart in providing engineering expertise to the local community for the past 56 years.
Ecam has collaborated with a number of fellow members and is an active participant in best practice events. Jason Pitt, said, “The Made in best practice events aim to transfer tacit knowledge and collaboration between members so they improve competitiveness.” One such successful collaboration was with Birmingham City University.
Under Philip Arme's stewardship, and Elliot Arme who is production manager, Ecam Engineering witnessed a remarkable transformation, with its annual turnover soaring by an impressive 166% in the last decade. This financial success has enabled the company to embark on a forward-thinking journey, allocating 25% of its annual turnover towards automation and a renewed focus on environmental sustainability, culminating in the pursuit of the ISO 14001-2015 accreditation.
The pursuit of the ISO 14001 standard has ushered in a new era for Ecam Engineering, impacting the company across various facets. The implementation of a new Environmental Management System (EMS) has brought about site-wide improvements, including the introduction of new spill kits, bunds, and consumable vending machines. Ongoing monitoring of utilities and other environmental objectives has become a regular practice, fostering employee awareness and participation.
Ecam Engineering's commitment to environmental responsibility is enshrined in its Environmental Policy, emphasising the adoption of high environmental standards, economical use of materials and energy, compliance with legal requirements, and minimising waste through the use of recycled materials and environmentally acceptable disposal methods.
One standout initiative is the installation of solar panels on all Ecam units, reflecting the company's commitment to renewable energy. The project, completed last summer, has already shown promising results, with a 23% reduction in electricity usage over the past five months, exceeding initial projections. With daylight availability expected to increase in the summer, Ecam anticipates achieving a 30% reduction, surpassing their initial estimates.
The commitment to reducing environmental impact extends to water usage, where a 62% reduction in water consumption is expected by simply optimising the flow rate of a urinal. Additionally, consumable waste has been addressed through the installation of a vending machine, resulting in both traceability improvements and an 8% reduction in expenditure.
Collaborating with Ayton Gas since 2016, Ecam Engineering has not only managed its gas usage efficiently but also achieved a cumulative carbon savings equivalent to planting 3553 trees, showcasing their dedication to reducing their carbon footprint.
Waste reduction practices, including improved waste separation and opening new waste streams, are on track to achieve a 10% reduction in landfill waste this year. Furthermore, new machinery installations follow a checklist prioritising environmental impact reduction, such as the recent acquisition of a more energy-efficient laser machine.
Ecam Engineering's commitment to sustainability goes beyond its operations, as evidenced by its collaboration with fellow Made in the Midlands members and Birmingham City University. This collaboration has led to the hiring of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership student and the development of in-house software, positioning Ecam Engineering as an industry leader in both productivity and environmental responsibility.
Philip Arme draws inspiration from local giants like JCB and their impact on the community. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ecam Engineering's unwavering confidence and continued investments in sustainability and technology have not only steered the company through uncertain times but have also positioned it for future success. He also added "We are Backing Britain, to us it means that where possible we look to source in the UK because it supports jobs, the supplychain and the community."
As Ecam Engineering shares its experiences and successes at the upcoming May online industry meetup, the business aims to inspire others to drive productivity through environmental commitments, showcasing their unique approach in a competitive industry.