Barker’s green push continues with new EFI multi-fuel boiler

19 November 2013
News release

Barker’s green push continues with unveiling of new EFI multi-fuel boiler

Barker’s of Geraldine is continuing its push towards green manufacturing with the unveiling of its new multi-fuel boiler on Wednesday, 20 November.

Built in a “private-private partnership” with Energy For Industry (EFI), the boiler replaces two old diesel ones and will effectively double Barker’s steam heating capacity.

“This is another key component of the $4 million investment we have made in new plant and infrastructure to accommodate rapid growth and the increasing demand for our products, both domestically and offshore,” says Barker’s chief executive Justin Riley. “We are also pushing forward with ‘best practice manufacturing’ and environmentally-friendly operations, hence the decision to install the new multi-fuel boiler which can run on coal, wood pellets or wood chips. Its increased capacity will allow us to grow for many years to come.”

EFI designed, built and owns the solid fuel steam boiler and has overall responsibility for its operation and maintenance.

“Barker’s approached us to help provide them with an energy solution to match their rapidly growing production demands and plant expansion,” says Fraser Jonker, CEO of Pioneer Generation Ltd, which trades as Energy For Industry in industrial heat supply. “Our purpose-built solution met their growth requirements and is flexibly designed to enable fuel switching options in the future.”

EFI partners with numerous New Zealand companies to provide globally competitive sustainable energy solutions. A community-owned specialist energy company based in Alexandra, it owns, operates and maintains hydro, wind, heat and energy solutions for businesses throughout New Zealand.

“We hear a lot about public-private partnerships,” says Riley, “but our affiliation with EFI is a great example of a private-private partnership. We make jam, not steam, so the benefits of working with EFI have been tremendous. Our relationship allows us to focus on what we know best and leave them to do what they know best.”

As part of its focus on growth and sustainability, Barker’s has also recently installed a new bottling line and updated its waste water treatment systems. “We’re in a rural area so we treat all our own wastewater on site,” says Riley.

A host of local dignitaries will join Barker’s and Pioneer Generation’s board members and staff for the official opening of Barker’s new energy centre on Wednesday, 20 November.

ENDS

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