Swindon, England
Substantial energy savings and carbon footprint reduction
About the facility
In 2000, the BMW Group acquired wholly own subsidiary of a steel stamping facility in Swindon, England, producing high-quality steel stampings and complex sub-assemblies. Around 1,000 workers manufacture the majority of the MINI brand automobile body parts. The plant manages logistics for ‘Direct Delivery’ to the Oxford MINI facility, reducing the amount of stock components.
The issue
BMW Group is focusing on increasing production while reducing resource consumption, with a focus on energy sustainability. They are searching for an efficient heating system to replace their outdated central boiler plant. BMW Group are considering factors like controllability, employee comfort, and temperature control.
BMW Group on the ultraSchwanka and supraSchwank
Swindon, England
“The new heating system has doneeverything and more that Schwank promised”
Implementation
BMW Group chose to install a Schwank heating system, consisting of high-efficiency gas-fired radiant heaters. Schwank supplied over 400 radiant heaters, including ultraSchwank tube and supraSchwank luminous heaters. This will maximize energy savings, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance comfort. Matching the building’s physical and operating characteristics with the correct heater type was crucial for optimal performance.
Results
The heating system at BMW UK has been updated to incorporate over 50 individual zones. All controlled and monitored by Johnson Controls’ central Building Management System. This system has improved comfort levels across various buildings and resulted in energy savings of 47%, achieving a ROI of between 2 and 3 years. In the first year, over 5,500 tons of CO2 were reduced, equivalent to over 2,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
