Energy efficiency incentives provided by National Grid to International Wire will underwrite investment in new equipment for the manufacturer while saving the company money in the long run on its energy costs.

International Wire replaced a 25-year-old multiwire drawing machine at its Canastota plant with a new generation of equipment that pulls wire quicker using less electricity. The equipment upgrade represents a reduction of nearly 4.2 million kWh per year, creating savings of $166,600 annually. The new machinery is also cleaner to operate, eliminating an additional 4.58 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions.

“Increasing productivity for a manufacturer leads to an increased bottom line,” said Alberto Bianchetti, regional director of customer and community engagement for National Grid. “Incentives from National Grid, such as the one provided here to Owl Wire and Cable, strengthen local businesses while lowering their operating costs.”

Pictured from left, Paul Wood, International Wire’s Canastota Plant Manager; Stacey Ingraham, International Wire’s Vice President of Human Resources; Richard Fox, National Grid Manager of Customer and External Affairs; Dave Bass, International Wire’s Vice President of Engineering; and Tony Torzon, International Wire’s Director of Operations.

International Wire earned an $821,000 incentive to offset the purchase. Based on the energy saved, the company will recoup its investment in the $2.1 million machine in less than eight years as opposed to nearly 13 years without the incentive.

“At International Wire, we’re dedicated to continuous improvement,” said Dave Bass, vice president of engineering for International Wire. “Enhancing safety, enabling productivity, and modernizing technology are key to staying competitive in today’s market.  National Grid’s incentive program supported our investment, allowing us to achieve all these goals while lowering our energy consumption.  It’s a win-win for everyone.” 

Inside a wire pulling machine

International Wire is a multinational wire products manufacturer headquartered in Camden, N.Y. The company, which operates 11 manufacturing plants in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley, specializes in bare copper and tin-plated wire products for the industrial, energy, mass transit, telecommunication, appliance and building markets. The Canastota facility was founded as Owl Wire and Cable in 1954 and acquired by International Wire in 2019.

Manufacturers in New York can learn more about industrial energy efficiency programs by contacting an advisor at energysavings@nationalgrid.com or 1-800-787-1706. National Grid also offers energy efficiency programs for the agricultural, education, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and retail and restaurant industries. Contact an energy advisor or visit ngrid.com/business to learn more.

About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future — transforming our networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.