Ulster Carpet Uses Steam To Cut Energy Use

Portadown, Ireland, July 31, 2008--Portadown-based Ulster Carpets says it has reversed current trends by paying less for fuel while increasing profits.

The company, which employs more than 400 people, said it is now able to save 49 percent in the energy needed to produce one square meter of carpet.

The cost-cutting measures included recovering heat from steam used in the dying process and from dye house waste.

"Energy efficiency is not just good for the environment, it is also good for the bottom line," said Ulster Carpets managing director Nick Coburn.

"At a time when fuel costs have soared, our unit cost has gone down substantially over the past 5 years, helping us to make more profit."