Trailblazer Foods Receives Grants From Energy Trust of Oregon

PORTLAND, OR--(Marketwired - Feb 12, 2015) - Trailblazer Food Products, a leading manufacturer of private label and branded grocery products in the western U.S., has received cash awards totaling $67,000 from the Energy Trust of Oregon in support of the company's sustainability initiatives.

In 2013, a team affiliated with Energy Trust performed an audit of Trailblazer Foods' manufacturing facilities to identify areas in which the company's operations could be more energy efficient. In response to recommendations emerging from the audit, Trailblazer has implemented two highly effective energy-saving projects.

First, Trailblazer replaced all lighting in its facility with new, energy-efficient LED lights and motion sensors. Second, the company replaced and upgraded an old air compressor used in the production process. The investments in these updates totaled $142,000, with grant incentives funding 47 percent of the cost.

Additional energy-efficiency measures still in the planning and implementation phases include a steam system upgrade and installation of a new boiler.

As a result of the compressor upgrade alone, Trailblazer Foods' expects to save 99,773 worth of kWh, and the company expects its investment to pay off within 2.7 years.

"We're pleased with the cost savings, of course," said Rob Miller, CEO of Trailblazer Foods, "but the biggest benefit is running an effective business efficiently. Sustainability is very important to us. All our employees are committed to the responsible use of resources, and we will continue to look for ways to increase our efficiency and decrease waste."

About Trailblazer Food Products
Inspired by the rich agricultural bounty of the Pacific Northwest, Trailblazer Food Products was incorporated in 1984. Today, the company produces co-pack, private label and branded products in many core grocery categories, including preserves and jellies, table syrups, sweetened and unsweetened flaked and shredded coconut, drink mixes, Italian syrups, institutional pie filling and glazes, and savory sauces and marinades. Its customers include Albertsons, Kroger, Safeway, Costco, Walmart, Sam's Club, Unified Western Grocers, Western Family Foods, Topco, Boyd's Coffee, ConAgra Foods and others.