Challenge
Ziegler Holzindustrie KG in Plössberg is one of the largest employers in the Upper Palatinate region of Germany, and has about 350 employees working at its plant, which covers about 43 hectares of land. They process approximately 1.6 million solid cubic meters of spruce and pine per year and supply wood products not only to the German market, but to buyers around the world. In 2012, Ziegler took a critical step in the direction of greater sustainability by deciding to continuously monitor the energy consumption of its plant and equipment to counter its rising energy costs. With an annual consumption of 27 GWh, Ziegler is a highly energy-intensive enterprise.Systematic measurement of energy consumption, identification of energy saving potential, and reduction of peak loads are necessary prerequisites for improving energy efficiency. The aim was hence a targeted build-up of the necessary measurement infrastructure. It can be achieved with power monitoring systems of the kind offered by Siemens, with its powermanager software program and series 7KM PAC measuring devices. The project began in March 2012 and was done mainly on the weekends, because plant operation could not be interrupted. The managers in charge of the machines involved provided crucial support. Ziegler also placed high priority on raising the awareness of its employees for the measures and objectives of the energy management program. Even after the introduction of this program, the company regularly provided information on this subject to its employees, which contributed to the high level of acceptance of the energy management program.