Budderfly, an energy-as-a-service company and The Gilman Brothers Company, a 128-year-old, family-owned manufacturer of foamboard products based in Connecticut, have announced a new 750-kW rooftop solar project. Over the 15-year agreement, Budderfly expects to lower Gilman Brothers’ annual energy costs by up to 30%.
A fixture of American manufacturing since 1897, The Gilman Brothers Company has a long history of resilience and innovation. The company, which provides signage, display, graphics and wall art solutions to some of the nation’s largest retailers, has consistently taken a forward-looking innovative approach to energy. This dates back to the 1920s, when the river that powered the mill it relied on for power dried up. The company’s founder took matters into his own hands and pursued a charter to create the Bozrah Light and Power Company, a utility that has served Gilman Brothers’ facility and surrounding communities for decades.
Today, Gilman Brothers faces the challenge of moving away from fossil fuel dependency and outdated lighting to a more sustainable, cost-effective clean energy future. Budderfly’s $1.5 million investment is empowering this 120-employee business to power its manufacturing operations with solar energy. Budderfly’s full-service model is enabling Gilman Brothers to implement high-efficiency upgrades, integrate renewable energy and maintain its legacy of innovation — all while working toward ambitious net-zero goals.
“Today’s energy challenges are not the first ones our company has faced. Gilman Brothers has long understood the operational and financial benefits of having greater control over our energy supply as well as transparency into how we’re using it. We also know that managing it is a full-time business,” said Jeff Blanchard, VP of operations with The Gilman Brothers Company. “Budderfly’s holistic approach and financial model is what independent manufacturers like Gilman Brothers want — and need. With Budderfly, we’re able to stay focused on our core mission to deliver our customers quality products while also trusting that our evolving energy needs are being met.”
Following this project, Gilman Brothers will benefit from a rooftop solar system, all-new LED lighting and an ultra-high-efficiency HVAC system, in addition to several other cost-saving technologies like high-efficiency motors paired with variable frequency drives.
“Our partnership with Gilman Brothers is an exciting, first-of-its-kind for Budderfly in the industrial sector,” said Al Subbloie, Budderfly Founder and CEO. “Gilman Brothers has a unique legacy as an energy pioneer in Connecticut, with a keen understanding of the value of having greater control over its own energy supply. As Gilman’s energy needs continue to evolve, we’re thrilled to be able to help set the company up for another century of innovation and success, while helping Connecticut move closer to its goal of achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040 through advanced energy efficiency technologies.”
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont praised the partnership, emphasizing its impact on both economic and environmental fronts.
“The Gilman Brothers Company has been operating its manufacturing business for more than a century in Connecticut, and I love that they’ve partnered with one of our state’s newest and most innovative companies, Budderfly, on this project that will not only help reduce their overhead costs but will also decrease their carbon emissions,” said Governor Lamont. “This is a great partnership and I am hopeful that in the coming years more Connecticut-based companies will connect with Budderfly to implement similar projects.”
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