UniRac contributes PV mounting technology to help rebuild community

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, May 5, 2008 — UniRac Inc., North America’s leading manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) mounting solutions, has provided their PV mounting technology to Studio 804, a non-profit organization through the University of Kansas, as part of an initiative to help rebuild Greensburg, Kansas; a city that was destroyed by a devastating category F5 tornado that struck on May 4th, 2007.

The city of Greensburg is working to rebuild their community by incorporating sustainable practices and Studio 804 will aid in this effort by constructing a modular building that encompasses these ideals.  Studio 804 has committed to design and construct a sustainable prototype using UniRac mounting technology, which has the potential to serve as a community arts center for the city of Greensburg. The prototype is to be delivered on the one-year anniversary of the tornado, which devastated the town, causing over $1.1 billion dollars in damage. In the wake of this tragedy, the city of Greensburg has stated its intentions of rebuilding as America’s first “Green City.”

“We are extremely proud to contribute to such an important initiative,” said Douglas May, UniRac CEO. “Not only will it help provide homes for those who have been impacted by this terrible tragedy, but it reflects our belief in the growing importance of solar, and the commitment to building sustainable communities that help protect our environment.”
As part of their contribution to this important cause, UniRac provided 8 RapidRac G10 mounting solutions, one of the fastest, simplest and most cost-effective racking systems on the market today for commercial flat roof installations. The RapidRac G10 combines innovative technology with experienced customer input to deliver requirements for reduced installation time and increased labor savings, along with lighter weight and minimal penetration. The flexibility of design allows it to meet most weight, height and a broad range of wind conditions. The RapidRac G10 accommodates most PV modules, providing the market with tremendous versatility and choice.
"The Studio 804 Sustainable Prototype will be one of the first projects completed in the rebuilding of Greensburg,” says Jessica Buechler, LEED AP for Studio 804.  “The installation of our photovoltaic array is a key component in our process and we could not have done it without the generous help from UniRac. RapidRac was the perfect solution for us as it allowed us to mount the PV array at the most efficient angle, while avoiding penetration through our EPDM roof.”

UniRac Receives 2008 Progressive Manufacturing Award

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, April 1, 2008 —   UniRac Inc., North America’s leading manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) mounting solutions, is proud to have been selected for the second consecutive year by Managing Automation as one of the 2008 Progressive Manufacturing 50 Award Winners, recognizing organizations whose technology-driven processes drive extraordinary business accomplishments.
UniRac was honored in the category of Customer Mastery, based on their   relentless focus and mapping of the Voice of the Customer’s (VOC) requirements into enterprise-wide business processes, with the goal of meeting and exceeding all customer expectations.
“We are especially delighted to receive this prestigious award, as it recognizes our commitment to working with our customers,” said Douglas May, UniRac CEO. “We recognized, early on, that in order to continue lead our segment of the PV mounting industry, we needed to work closely with our customers, who provide us with experienced input on a regular basis. This we believe is one of the main keys to UniRac’s success.”
UniRac kicked off their Voice-of-Customer initiative in July 2007 with a series of customer surveys and new business processes designed to increase communications, and to solicit feedback on key business processes, including manufacturing and product development. The goal was to greatly enhance their customers’ experience working with UniRac at every phase in the process, from the earliest contact to post-sales support and service.
 “We congratulate the UniRac team,” said Dave Kulik, CEO of SunWize. “It comes as no surprise that UniRac has been given this award.  Their focus on our requirements and processes has led to a significant increase in our business together over the past few years.”
UniRac’s outstanding achievements and innovative business practices will be recognized by peers, partners, and suppliers in the manufacturing community at the 2008 Progressive Manufacturing Summit, followed by a Black Tie Awards Gala in Las Vegas from June 10-12.

UniRac Announces Solar Mounting Industry’s First Environmental Program in North America

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, January 17, 2008   -- UniRac, the leader in PV mounting architecture for the solar market, announced today the launch of an industry- leading program called The EcoRac Program, a 5- point plan that consists of current and future programs they are undertaking, aimed at reducing their carbon footprint and promoting environmental accountability in the solar mounting industry.

“We believe this is the right thing to do, for the environment, for the industry and for the company as a whole,” says Douglas May, UniRac CEO. “This program will provide great benefits to our employees, and to our customers. It is our intent to contribute to a sustainable environment, to promote good will in the solar industry, and to attract and retain top talent in our organization by leading the way with our environmental initiatives. As a leader in the renewable industry, we feel strongly that we need to be good shepherds and champion the cause for a cleaner, greener future.”

The 5 point EcoRac Program will consist of the following:

• For qualifying partners, UniRac will offer a twice yearly pick-up program of their scrap aluminum, from which the proceeds will be donated to the "Make it Right Foundation", the organization committed to building 150 affordable, sustainable homes in New Orleans, near the site of the devastating levee break of August, 2005.

• For selected purchases of UniRac mounting systems over a pre-determined amount, UniRac will donate a percentage of the purchase price to the “Make it Right” Foundation.

• Increase the use of recycled materials for manufacturing and product packaging. Today, 40% of aluminum, 80% of steel and 100% of cardboard and wood being used by UniRac is recycled material. The goal over the next 3 years is to increase these numbers and find new, sustainable materials from which to engineer mounting solutions.

• UniRac will purchase carbon credits to offset 100% of employee air travel starting in 2008.

• A new employee subsidy program that will incent and reimburse employees who carpool, take public transport, bike to work or drive alternative fuel vehicles. In addition, UniRac will offer employees a fitness subsidy to join a health club or participate in some form of physical fitness as a way to promote health and wellness and work-life balance.

“We commend UniRac and the leadership role they are taking in launching this important environmental program,” says Scott Carlson, owner of Carlson Solar. “As businesses who are involved in the solar industry, it is gratifying to see partners like UniRac being good stewards for environmental initiatives and helping us all to reduce our carbon footprint”.

UniRac is excited to be working on this initiative with carbonfund.org, an industry leader dedicated to reducing the carbon footprint of individuals and companies, with cost-effective carbon offsets that support renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects globally, which reduce carbon dioxide emissions and the threat of climate change.

“We are delighted to offset 100% of UniRac's air travel,” said Steve
Offutt, Chief Operating Officer of Carbonfund.org.  “As an important player in the renewable energy industry, they are making environmental contributions in several ways, and we thank them for joining us in the fight against global warming.”

Click here to learn more about the EcoRac Program.

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