| Earlier this year, Tournesol proudly presented its inaugural 3P (Planet, People, Prosperity) Sustainability Award to two employees, Ian Fisher, Director of Manufacturing Technology, and Kerry Townson, Plant Manager at our Port Orchard facility. Their significant achievement was an enterprising overhaul of our steel blasting process, and their collaboration demonstrated how thoughtful innovation and teamwork can simultaneously advance environmental stewardship. |  |
The Challenge
Rethinking Conventional Practices
Steel sandblasting represents a critical phase in our manufacturing process—ensuring powder-coating adheres well to steel surfaces creates durable products. Yet our traditional garnet sand used to blast the steel surface posed significant challenges:
- Compromised visibility as fine dust filled the blasting environment
- Productivity losses from hourly shutdowns required for cleaning
- Workspace contamination as dust migrated beyond containment areas
- Maintenance burdens from frequently clogged filtration systems
- Environmental concerns including hazardous waste testing requirements
- Financial drain from ongoing disposal and transportation costs
The Solution
Innovative Engineering Meets Sustainability
Under the leadership of Manufacturing Technology Director, Ian Fisher, and Plant Manager, Kerry Townson, the team transformed the process by transitioning from sand made of garnet to steel sanding technology—a clever solution that delivered immediate, measurable improvements:
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Engineering Excellence: The Reclamation Floor Conversion
The transformation didn't stop there. The team reimagined the physical infrastructure with an advanced reclamation floor featuring an automated sweeping system:
- Continuous operation replaces hourly interruptions
- Automated material recirculation eliminates manual handling
- Minimal end-of-day cleanup versus hourly maintenance requirements
- Seamless workflow throughout production cycles
The Impact
Where Values Meet Value Creation
This initiative embodies our holistic 3P approach to sustainability:
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PlanetEliminated landfill waste through 100% recyclable materials | PeopleTransformed working conditions with cleaner air and reduced physical demands | ProsperityEnhanced productivity while converting disposal costs into revenue opportunities |
"The transformation in our working environment has been meaningful. The new system has eliminated manual shoveling tasks while significantly enhancing cleanliness, fundamentally improving the daily experience for our operators."
- Wade Ward, Production Manager
Congratulations
Congratulations to Ian Fisher and Kerry Townson for demonstrating how an innovative approach and teamwork can create perfect alignment between environmental responsibility, employee wellbeing, and business excellence.