Press Releases

Construction underway on one of Pennsylvania’s largest solar arrays.

Pottstown, PA – December 7th, 2009 – Buckman’s, Inc. today announced the construction of a 620 kilowatt solar energy system at their corporate headquarters in Pottstown, PA. The roof-mounted solar array will convert sunlight into electricity and supply power to Buckman’s new state-of-the-art sodium hypochlorite manufacturing facility. The project is being developed by one of Pennsylvania’s leading electrical construction and renewable energy firms, MetroTek Electrical Services.

“MetroTek has long recognized the need for renewable energy and efficiency measures in order for American businesses to control their energy costs and remain competitive,” said Reiner Jaeckle, Chief Operations Officer of MetroTek Electrical Services. “We are proud that Buckman’s, Inc. chose MetroTek to implement a sustainable energy strategy and applaud Buckman’s for leading the way in Pennsylvania.”

The solar energy system will produce 700,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a year from almost 3,000 high efficiency photovoltaic solar modules. By using electricity from a clean, renewable energy source, Buckman’s will offset 850,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year, equivalent to conserving over 40,000 gallons of gasoline annually. When completed, Buckman’s solar energy system will be one of the largest in Pennsylvania.

“Buckman’s, Inc. is committed to environmental responsibility, and we are thrilled that we have an opportunity to contribute to the sustainable energy future of all Pennsylvanians,” said Jeff Buckman, President of Buckman’s, Inc. “I would especially like to thank the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for their generous grant award, along with the immense support of the PA Department of Environmental Protection, Representative Jim Gerlach, Limerick Township, and MetroTek Electrical Services. The economic and environmental benefits of our solar energy system clearly demonstrate the tremendous effect of Pennsylvania’s green energy legislation.”

The project was made possible by a $520,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority, and was funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

As part of the project, a web-based solar educational portal will be built to educate Pennsylvanians on the benefits of solar energy. Buckman’s and MetroTek will also be working with the Pottstown School District to bring a renewable energy educational curriculum to area students.

The solar energy project is the first phase of a comprehensive sustainability and environmental responsibility plan for Buckman’s, Inc., with the subsequent phases to include the construction of a wind turbine and a solar thermal heating and hot water system.

Buckman’s and MetroTek will be holding a groundbreaking ceremony on December 10th, 2009 with project partners and state and local representatives. Press and local officials interested in attending should contact MetroTek Electrical Services at 610-810-1765.

About Buckman’s, Inc.

Founded in 1965, Buckman’s, Inc. is one of the largest distributors of swimming pool chemicals, water treatment chemicals, and ice melt products in the Northeast United States, serving customers in 38 States and Canada. Buckman’s is a leading East Coast distributor of Sodium Hypochlorite, Muriatic Acid, Diatomaceous Earth, Calcium, Magnesium, and Rock Salt. In addition to the distribution business, Buckman’s also manufactures Sodium Hypochlorite in a brand new, state-of-the-art manufacturing plant. Buckman's, Inc. has been family owned and operated since incorporation and is proud to continue that tradition today.

Learn more at www.buckmansinc.com
Contact Buckman’s: 1-610-495-7495 || custsrvc@buckmansinc.com