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SUMMERVILLE, S.C. — KION North America celebrated the completion of their new 1.0-megawatt solar energy system at an open house event on May 24. The system will harness the power of the sun to power it's Summerville manufacturing facility while also generating revenue for the company.

“Sustainability is a clear trend in the material handling industry – we experience this with each new day in the shape of greater customer interest in electric forklift trucks,” said Daniel Schlegel, vice president of operations at KION North America. “Now, we are in the position here in North America to offset our production line energy usage by creating energy through renewable resources.”

Installed by Alder Energy, the system will offset around 80 percent of the annual energy consumption of all operations at KION North America. It will also offset the equivalent of 2.08 million pounds of CO2 emissions and generate enough energy to power 133 homes.

“On the forefront of supporting clean energy transportation solutions for material handling, KION North America and their approach to sustainable manufacturing is a shining example of our combined commitment to renewable energy in our state,” said Danny Kassis, SCE&G Vice President of Customer Relations and Renewables.

KION North America is a member of the KION Group—a leading manufacturer of industrial trucks and the largest producer of electric forklifts in the world. They are the first within the KION Group to invest in this type of renewable energy.

“KION’s commitment to sustainable business practices in Dorchester County is something for our community to be proud of,” said Jay Byars, Dorchester County Council Chairman. “Their continued investment proves that Dorchester County is the best place to build and grow a business and raise a family. We applaud the completion of their new solar energy system and look forward to continued success for this company and its employees.”

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