This new Harmony Europe website will allow us to better connect with our french speaking customers and highlight the products that are the most popular in their country. For example, the smaller profile balers and compactors are in high demand in France because of their compact size.

With the sales and service office in Toulouse, France, a website customized to their needs is a necessity. Instead of french customers contacting our office in the U.S., they now have easy access to the french office’s phone number, contact information, and detailed product information so they can receive service from staff with a direct European presence.

To view the new Harmony Europe Website, goto www.harmonyeurope.fr

With the commitment to their green recycling and waste management initiatives, Fareway Stores has made huge strives that benefit both their company and the environment. “All of our qualified employees are able to use the balers because they are simple and straightforward to operate,” Leo goes on, “Last year, as a company, we recycled 9000 tons of cardboard.” In addition to the positive impact to Mother Earth, the landfill fees that Fareway Stores has saved is enormous.

“Last year, as a company, we recycled 9000 tons of cardboard.”

The balers that Fareway Stores uses have proven themselves to be reliable and easy to use over not just years, but decades. Fareway currently has a large number of the M60 Balers that are 25 years old or older. The advice that Leo would give to other retailers or grocers who are trying to manage their waste or recycling is simple, “Use the M60MD Baler by Harmony Enterprises. It is a ‘workhorse’. We have proven it.”

“Use the M60MD Baler by Harmony Enterprises. It is a ‘workhorse’. We have proven it.”

When Fareway needs replacement parts or customer support, they get the same service they pride themselves on giving their own customers. Leo explains, “Harmony’s customer service is top notch. They consistently come thru with whatever I need and as quick as humanly possible. I can’t say enough how pleased I am with their service.” Leo sees the similarities between the two companies, “Fareway Stores has been built on the promise of ‘Economical Food Distribution’ and outstanding customer service. We always carry your groceries to your car and put them in it for you. Harmony Enterprises reminds me a lot of us. They seem to have the same values that we have at Fareway.”

• There has been an approximate 100% Increase in total recycling in the US in the past decade.
• The U.S. has the most pounds of trash per person per day (4.6 lbs of trash per person, 1.5 lbs of recycled materials per person)
• Aluminum can be recycled forever with NO loss of quality (good thing since we use over 80,000,000,000 aluminum cans each year)
• Americans use 2,500,000 plastic bottles, most of which are thrown away.  In landfills, where plastic bottles are shielded from sunlight, they will not decompose for thousands of years.
• The energy saved by recycling one glass bottle would run a computer for 30 minutes.
• Recycling 1 ton of mixed paper saves the energy equivalent of 185 gallons on gasoline.
• Every year, Americans use 1 billion shopping bags, creating 300,000 tons of landfill waste.
• The greenest states are Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Nevada, Hawaii, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Colorado
  

Infographic by BuildingsGuide.com, a metal building kit and green building resource.

Simple to use and set up, it is a popular choice for many smaller applications, such as convenience stores, small office developments, hotels, nursing homes, restaurants, or retail stores. It has a small footprint, taking up only 43” W x 38” D x 96” H and requiring only a 23 square feet operating area.

Versatile, compact, and tough, this baler gets the job done using its large cylinder, high capacity hydraulic system with bale ejection system. This little baler stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the larger balers with its ultra-heavy duty construction and ability to bale a wide range of recyclable materials.

Recyclable Materials for Vertical Baler:

• Steel and Aluminum Cans
• Styrofoam
• Office Waste Paper
• Textiles
• Corrugated Cardboard
• PET Plastic
• Shrink Wrap

The space saving design of the M30HD Vertical Baler by Harmony Enterprises makes earning recycling revenue achievable for smaller businesses. Contact Harmony Enterprises at 800-658-2320 today to see how this little baler can make a big difference in your facility.

There are two main types of solar power usage:

Stand-Alone Solar Powered Devices
Chances are you have been using solar power with devices such as a solar powered calculator or solar powered landscape lights. Newer solar power products on the market today include solar cell phone and laptop chargers, security cameras, watches, speaker systems and all kinds of outdoor & indoor lighting. Many of these products, like the solar lights, accumulate power on batteries to be able to function while the sun is down. Soon, you may even see some waste compactors that are solar powered.

Grid-Tied Solar Powered Systems
Solar Power that is tied to the building’s electricity can be used in both remote locations or urban areas. It is fueled through panels that are usually on the roof of the home or business, facing the sun.  The panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC), then through an inverter, it changes into alternative current (AC). Then the current is fed into the home or business’s electricity system.  If there is excess power, it is diverted to a power grid which credit’s the building’s electricity bill.

The benefits of using the sun’s energy:

• Solar energy is free so you can save money on your electricity bill
• Stand-alone solar powered devices have no wires, making them easier to install and maintain
• Using a grid-tied solar powered system allows you to take some control of your power back
• Solar power is clean and no fossil fuels or emissions are released which can lead to global warming

Solar powered products have great advantages to the user, including ease of use, long-term cost savings, and contributing to a greener earth.  Whether you can implement solar power in your home or businesses, in a small way or a big way, make it shine.

Which solar powered systems are you using currently?  What were your main reasons for investing in solar powered products?

Harmony Enterprises designs custom recycling and waste management solutions, so they are experts at creating horizontal balers to meet specific needs, on a tight deadline. But by teaming up with Rockwell Automation, at a higher level, they have made the custom design process happen on-time and on-target for the global baler market.

Harmony began designing a new SSG2 horizontal baler for a large, multinational beverage company in 2010. The bottling company was looking for a high-capacity baler for one of its bottling facilities to be delivered in just 3 short months. Harmony’s team of engineers were up for the challenge, but also knew that there was a lot to learn about the enduser’s design requirements in order to meet the deadline.

Although Harmony Enterprises had been using Rockwell Automation’s programmable logic controllers (PLC) for years, Steve Cremer, President at Harmony, and his team knew that this project required more control and integration. To Cremer, it was an opportunity to expand his team’s expertise to an integrated control platform and design a new piece of equipment to meet expanding customer needs. Cremer explains, “We want to design equipment that will still lead the way five years down the road and beyond.” Harmony Enterprises again teamed up with Rockwell Automation for this aggressive custom project, to gain the higher level of integrated machine solutions and safety control for the baler, as well as engineering support.

“We want to design equipment that will still lead the way five years down the road and beyond.”

Through this partnership with Rockwell Automation, Harmony Enterprises was able to provide their multinational bottling customer with an improved time-to-market that also met all their cutting-edge needs. For instance, the enduser, as well as Harmony engineers, can remotely access, diagnose, and service the baler through the Ethernet network. The onsite displays make it easy to view maintenance tasks so operators can address issues and sustain higher levels of production. Werner Electric, Harmony’s local Rockwell Automation Distributor, also helped with the design process, such as advising on panel layout and wiring practices to reduce the panel size. On top of all the integrated custom design features, Harmony Enterprises was also able to meet their customer’s three month time-to-market request.

Future customers who buy similar horizontal balers from Harmony Enterprises will also benefit, through reduced engineering time and the use of widely accepted controls. For example, during the next two years, Harmony engineers plan on using the repeatable electrical design in 75 of its H60XL horizontal balers to a new European customer. The design of the horizontal baler includes and meets all global design specification for entry into the European market. Cremer comments, “Rockwell Automation solutions have really opened doors for us to the European market and the rest of the world…”

Interested in reading more? Click the link below for the full PDF case study written by Rockwell Automation:

Case Study: Working in Harmony – Machine Builder Speeds Time to Market and Expands Global Reach with Support from Rockwell Automation

8 Earth-Friendly New Years Resolutions

1. Recycle More
Beyond the obvious recycling of aluminum, cardboard, paper, plastic, and so on – what items around your home or facility can be re-purposed or given to someone else who can use them instead of putting them in the trash? Think simply, but creatively (i.e. composting, art projects, etc) and you may find the perfect fit! Try to reduce the amount of trash you throw out.

2. Buy (or Grow) Natural Foods
Eat more seasonal fruits, vegetables and whole grains, preferably locally grown when you can.  Avoid the “boxed” processed foods and lean towards foods that come from the earth. Local organic foods will be free of pesticides and also don’t take so much energy to get to you.

3. Use the Re-Usable Shopping Bags
In order for the reusable shopping bags to do any good, they have to be used!  Find a way to remember to bring the earth-friendly bags with you to the store (keep them by the door or in your car) and reduce the number of plastic bags that you waste.

4. Think Local
Doing business locally not only helps our local economy to bloom, but also reduces the carbon footprint we are making on Mother Earth.  Lessening your commute can save money, as well as provide more opportunities for walking or biking and getting in touch with the outdoors.

5. Do Second-Hand
Instead of buying books, borrow them from a friend or use the library.  Second-hand clothes are money-savers and earth-friendly, especially for growing kids. When your kids outgrow their clothes, pass them on to a family in need, a thrift store, or find another way to recycle the clothing and textiles.

6. Teach Kids
Teach your kids about why it is so important to take care of our earth by leading by example and getting them involved.  Sometimes they may teach us new things about the environment too.  Be open to their ideas.

7. Do Green Business
Employees can put all their day-today environmental goals into hyper-drive at work too.   Retail stores or factories may even consider purchasing a vertical baler for managing their recyclables or a busy mall or fast food restaurant may install an automatic trash compactor to minimize waste.

8. Be Water Smart
Buy a nice reusable water bottle and pledge to stop buying bottled water.  Other ways to be smart about your water usage include collecting rain water, and simply minimizing water usage while brushing teeth and taking showers, etc.

Start with small easy tasks that can make a big impact when becoming a lifelong habit.  Your Green New Years Resolutions should be something that you can start simple, and build on.

What green New Years Resolutions are you aiming to achieve this year?  What else would you add to this list?

It’s not very often that you can tie an industrial baler to an electric French car, but we can.

Harmony Enterprises has been working with a leader in the French waste recycling industry, SITA Solving, for over fifteen years. But with the fairly recent opening of the Harmony Europe office, Harmony is now able to provide enhanced worldwide service.  Jean-Marie Rosenzweig, Managing Director of Harmony Europe explains, “With the growing balers market, our Harmony Europe office gives us the capacity and reactivity for worldwide repairs and maintenance….As SITA Solving expands they were looking for a better waste control system, and  Harmony Enterprises has been able to provide the solution through their large choice of equipment.”

Jean-Marie Rosenzweig goes on to explain how a Harmony baler got into a Moroccan car factory, “SITA Solving deals with waste solutions in the Renault Car Factory in Morocco, in a tax free zone considered as a European economic territory.” The Renault car factory in Morocco is the number one French car manufacturer, and its alliance with Nissan makes it the world third largest automaker. According to the Renault.com, “The Renault-Nissan Alliance is developing a complete range of 100% electric powertrains… For Renault, the electric vehicle is a real long-term solutions to today’s environmental and noise pollution issues in cities.”

According to the European Commission Environment, the Renault Moroccan car plant has already established a reduction in energy consumption, reduction in water consumption, and reduction in waste. Renault aims to cut their carbon dioxide emissions by 98% at this same Moroccan plant, making it the first car factory in the world to use renewable energy. With their company-wide commitment to environmental respect, it is clear that Renault is trying to set an example in waste reduction with their investment in a horizontal baler and drum crusher, as well.

Ramon Hernandez, Transport Manager at Harmony Enterprises Inc., organized the shipment of the humongous waste reduction equipment from Harmony, MN USA to the Renault plan in Morocco together with SITA Solving and Magali Marque, Transport and Logistic Coordinator in Harmony Europe. Magali explains, “They requested two types of waste management machines, one able to compact the drums (the Drum Crusher DC5500) and another one to bale the plastic and cardboard packaging (the H60XL Horizontal Baler). It took about 4-5 weeks to get to the Moroccan coast via sea container.”

The French commercial team lead by Jean-Marie Rosenzweig know that the H60 horizontal baler is going to meet the needs of SITA Solving and Renault because it has been designed and customized following their own unique needs and requests.  Thibaut Poulier, Sales Manager, describes the benefits of the horizontal baler, “The best advantages of H60XL are the semi-automatic wire feeding system, and the extreme density of the bale. With the semi-automatic wire feeding system the baling process is much quicker than with any other type of equipment they had before. The extreme density of the bales will enable them to valorize at the best price the different material whether plastic or cardboard.”  He goes on to emphasize the safety and work environment, “This H60 machine has been equipped with an ‘Isolated Worker Protection Device’ to secure the baler and safety of any employee working independently with the machine. The heavy duty frame of the machine needing very few servicing will ease the work load and work environment.”

Harmony has built a close business relationship with their clients, like SITA Solving, based on reactivity, flexibility, reliability and awareness of their needs.  Jean-Marie Rosenzweig and the rest of the customer service and sales staff practice this every day.   Thibaut Poulier gives an example, “We always advise any potential buyer to inform us of information that might not seem to matter for them, but could mean a lot to our designers and engineers’ ideas. For instance, the actual premises, the work flow, the quantities, the staff, the targets, the investment return, extensions projects… all these details make a difference to how we identify our customers’ needs, and then deliver.”

Jean-Marie Rosenzweig and the rest of the Harmony Enterprises team are honored to be able to work hand-in-hand with leaders in green initiatives like SITA Solving and the Moroccan Renault Car Plant. By helping them reach their goals, Harmony is reaching their goals as well.

Here are some simple ways for your business to be more green:

1. Be energy efficient

Educate your employees on how to use energy efficiently within your office or factory. This is as simple as turning off equipment, like computers and monitors when they are not being used.

2.  Minimize paper

Use email communications and electronic documents whenever you can instead of faxing or printing.  If you have to print it out, make sure to print on both sides (duplex) or  use scrap paper. Many businesses are finding they can do more effective and environmentally-friendly marketing via their website instead of printing bulky catalogs.

3.  Use green products

When you can, invest in supplies and products that are earth-friendly.  If you print brochures or buy packaging, you can request that the material is biodegradable, made of recycled materials or environmentally-friendly.  There are many companies who specialize in green products and others who offer a green alternatives.

4.  Buy Local

When you can buy products locally, it takes less energy to get them to you which could reduce carbon dioxide emissions.  If you don’t have to have it shipped, you will also reduce the waste of packaging.

5.  Reduce Waste

Instead of supplying employees with unlimited disposable plates, cups, and silverware, encourage them to bring their own refillable water bottles and lunch boxes. To compact waste, some businesses should consider an automatic trash compactor for the cafeteria or commons area.

6.  Recycle

In small offices, provide recycling bins and boxes and educate employees on what they can recycle, whether it is paper and cardboard, aluminum and tin, glass, etc.  For larger companies or factories consider purchasing a vertical baler for managing your recyclables.

Usually employees who feel they are making a difference have better employee morale.  Encouraging these six simple green business tactics ( energy efficiency, minimizing paper, use green products, buy local, reduce waste, and recycling) may have a positive impact on both your earth and your business.

What other tips or ideas would you add to this list of “Ways to do Greener Business”?  Do you think these small steps could have big impact to your business or the environment?

Christmas Cards and Decorations

1.  Christmas Cards: Send your Christmas cards via email (E-card), buy cards made of eco-friendly stock, or use a holiday photo card which may be used as a keepsake instead of thrown away. If you get a lot of Christmas cards in the mail, use them the next year for kids’ Christmas activities or crafts such as homemade gift tags.

2.  Holiday Decorations: Before throwing out old Christmas decorations, consider if someone else may appreciate them. Donate them to a thrift store like the Salvation Army or other organizations if they are in acceptable condition. Even old Christmas lights are readily accepted for recycling or trade-in now in exchange for the more energy efficient LED lights.

3.  Christmas Trees: Don’t throw away your natural Christmas tree. Most areas have some Christmas tree recycling options such as curbside recycling, non-proft pickups, or other creative ways to re-use Christmas trees such as mulching programs, soil erosion barriers, and bird feeders.

Green Gift Giving & Shopping

4.  Re-Usable Shopping Bags: Just like any time of year, utilize re-usable shopping bags to reduce the number of plastic bags that are thrown in the trash later.

5.  Gift certificates: Gift cards are a great way to minimize waste and drive down your transportation footprint by keeping business local.

6.  Handmade Christmas gifts: Get creative (or help your kids get creative) with Christmas crafts and holiday baking. Homemade Christmas gifts like goodies, bread or Christmas ornaments and decorations made of materials around your home make meaningful and resourceful gifts.

7.  Buy earth-friendly gifts: Consider giving green gifts, or gifts made of durable materials or recycled content to minimize the impact on the environment.

Christmas Wrapping & Packaging

8.  Gift Wrapping Paper: Most Christmas wrapping papers are not recyclable, especially if they are made of foil or metallic materials. Purchase wrapping paper made of recycled material whenever possible or have kids draw or paint their own designs on paper shopping bags for a fun Christmas activity. Other green wrapping paper substitutes include the Sunday comics or the Sports section of your newspaper. Here are more great Eco-wrapping ideas.

9.  Gift Tags: Make your own gift tags using recycled wrapping paper or last year’s Christmas cards.

10.  Wrapping Accessories: Re-use ribbons, bows, gift bags, and boxes whenever you can. Reusing ribbon may seem like a small step, but if every family in the US re-used just 2 feet of holiday ribbon, it would save 38,000 miles of ribbon and tie a bow around the planet!

Anytime of year, but especially Christmas, is a perfect time to practice your green recycling habits. Make recycling during Christmas a new holiday tradition for your family.

What other ideas do you have for making your Christmas a little more green and earth-friendly?  How does your family or workplace recycle during the holiday season?