Wedoany.com Report-May 7, Linamar Corp., a manufacturer of automotive and medical technology parts, has partnered with Caterpillar and Alectra Energy Solutions to power several of its Canadian facilities with behind-the-meter gas-fired electricity generation. The long-term agreement, announced this weekend, involves a 15-year power purchase contract for Linamar’s operations in Guelph and Windsor, Ontario.
The project features 12 Cat G3500 series natural gas generator sets, deployed by Alectra to produce on-site power. This setup helps Linamar reduce energy costs during peak demand periods, enhancing operational efficiency. The initiative supports the company’s sustainable business model in a competitive industry.
Jim Jarrell, CEO of Linamar Corp., stated: “These capabilities from Caterpillar and Alectra support our long-term sustainable business model through an innovative and efficient energy solution that reduces our operational costs and enhances our position in a highly competitive industry.”
Caterpillar’s financial division facilitated funding for the project’s construction, while Toromont Cat, a local dealer, managed engineering, procurement, and construction. The generator sets are controlled by Caterpillar’s Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) software, which optimizes energy use to lower costs during high grid demand without disrupting operations.
Melissa Busen, senior vice president of Caterpillar’s Electric Power Division, noted: “Our engagement with Alectra and Linamar demonstrates how our portfolio of power solutions leverages leading-edge digital technologies to improve performance and help customers achieve preferred energy outcomes.”
The Cat G3500 series generators are widely used across industries, including manufacturing and data centers. Caterpillar, based in Irving, Texas, has also contributed to numerous microgrid projects. Its DERMS software, paired with the Cat Active Management Platform (AMP), monitors grid and facility energy patterns, analyzes market opportunities, and dispatches distributed energy resources to maximize efficiency.
Linamar, with over 60 global manufacturing locations, supplies components for the mobility, medical, and agricultural sectors. The on-site power project underscores the company’s commitment to innovative energy solutions, supporting cost reduction and sustainability while maintaining its competitive edge in global markets.
