Earlier in the week, Danfoss hosted Congressman Don Manzullo (R-IL) for a groundbreaking ceremony for the company’s new logistics facility in Loves Park, IL. Fueled by strong growth of Danfoss’ high-powered, energy-efficient drives, the company will relocate its receiving, shipping and warehousing operations into this new facility, which will create additional manufacturing capacity at the current location.

During his visit, Manzullo, who founded and serves as co-chairman of the House Manufacturing Caucus, also participated in a discussion with top Danfoss managers about how Danfoss VLT variable frequency drives (VFDs) are helping the environment by reducing energy consumption.

Clean energy technologies, like those manufactured by Danfoss VLT Drives, help to create sustainable jobs. The speakers during the groundbreaking ceremony expressed a similar idea, reinforcing the importance of the impact a company like Danfoss has on the local economy.

In application, VFDs can save energy and reduce the impact on the environment by reducing the dependence on fossil fuels and the need to build power plants. VFDs can typically save 15 to 40 percent of energy required to operate a motor, depending on the installation; yet, 70 to 80 percent of new industrial electric motors globally do not have variable speed drives.

Danfoss reports that is has 3.5 million Danfoss VLT variable speed drives installed worldwide, accounting for a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of 33 million tons per year.

This is the second expansion at the Danfoss plant in two years, as the current facility was doubled in size (from 125,000 to 250,000 sq. ft.) in 2009.