Graco, Inc.
» Industry: Manufacturing & Distribution
» Location: Dayton, MN
» System Size (DC): 1,436.4
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Client Introduction
Graco Inc. is a global leader in fluid handling systems, known for manufacturing industry-leading paint sprayers, lubrication equipment, and precision fluid control systems.
Their products support a range of industries, from automotive to construction. But behind their cutting-edge technology is a company equally committed to sustainability. Part of that mission is ensuring every new Graco facility integrates solar energy from the start.
At the heart of this vision is the French Lake Distribution Center in Dayton, Minnesota — a major distribution center for Graco. For a facility of this scale and significance, Graco needed a solar partner who could deliver on time, with precision, and provide strategic guidance throughout the process. Cedar Creek Energy was up to the task.
Project Background
Graco’s journey to solar at the French Lake Distribution Center didn’t start with Cedar Creek Energy. The initial solar phase was tied to the original construction of the facility. However, the COVID-19 pandemic complicated everything. Rising costs for building materials, supply chain delays, and shifting budgets forced Graco to sideline solar as part of the original build. Jeff Weber, Operations Manager for the French Lake Distribution Center, recalls, “We built the building through the COVID time period and suffered through a lot of price changes with building materials and shortages.”
Despite the setbacks, Graco’s goal to incorporate solar never wavered. As the dust from COVID-related disruptions settled, they were ready to move forward with solar. That’s when Cedar Creek Energy entered the picture.
Our Approach
Graco had a clear vision of how they wanted the project to go. The French Lake facility was already “solar-ready” and conduits were pre-installed, which helped lay the groundwork. But Graco wasn’t taking any chances. Jeff Weber and a team from Hunt Electric, another partner on the project, visited EMI, the switchgear manufacturer, to address a critical path item that had previously delayed the launch of the first building’s solar project. The Cedar Creek Energy team joined the visit to ensure alignment and avoid potential issues. “Graco’s style is personal — we like to show up in person and have face-to-face conversations,” Jeff explained.
The message was clear: Graco wanted an on-time, on-budget, no-hiccups experience. Cedar Creek Energy delivered. The support Cedar Creek provided allowed Graco to stay focused on their operations while Cedar Creek handled the complexities behind the scenes.
Results
The completed solar array has a capacity of 1.4 Megawatts and offsets a majority of the French Lake facility’s energy usage. This substantial reduction in energy consumption positions Graco as a sustainability leader in the distribution space.
The results weren’t just environmental. From a business perspective, the project provides significant cost savings, energy security, and operational efficiency. To showcase these wins, Graco now incorporates the solar installation into their facility tours for customers. With a public-facing monitoring display, visitors can see real-time energy production and witness Graco’s commitment to clean energy in action.
Stepping Up to the Plate
Cedar Creek Energy, working closely with Hunt Electric, brought precision, transparency, and advocacy to every phase of the project. We provided clear guidance on managing the utility provider, leveraged pre-installed equipment for a faster build, and maintained constant communication to keep the project on track.
From start to finish, Cedar Creek Energy embodied what it means to be a true partner, not just a contractor. As Alex Gast, Project Developer for this project and Director of Operations at Cedar Creek Energy, put it, “Partnering with Graco to achieve their solar goals was a rewarding experience for our team. Our goal was to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible — and I think we did just that.”
Graco not only met its sustainability goals but also created a valuable showcase for its customers and clients. This project is proof that with the right partner, solar energy can be simple, seamless, and incredibly impactful.