Wesley Allen going solar at plant
David Perry -- Furniture Today, May 26, 2003
Los Angeles — Metal bed producer Wesley Allen here has a sunny new outlook on its power supply.
The producer is installing a $2.2 million solar power system on the roof of its 100,000-square-foot factory.
The company, a style leader in the metal bed arena and one of the few remaining domestic metal bed producers, was scheduled to begin using solar-generated electricity this month. Installation of the system is expected to be completed this summer.
"I've been told this is the largest solar power unit for a privately held business in Los Angeles," said Maier Rosenberg, chief operating officer.
The system will generate over half the electricity currently used by the company.
Rosenberg cited three main reasons for the move.
"First, we want to be as self-sufficient as possible," he said. "Los Angeles had a power crisis a few years ago, and we don't want to be at the mercy of someone else. Second, in terms of the environment, solar power is a good thing to do. Third, it is an investment in Los Angeles. The economic incentives make it cost-effective."
If Wesley Allen produces more power than it needs, it will sell the excess to the power company, Rosenberg said.
