As a precision machine shop that truly cares about the future we’re leaving behind for generations to come, Reata has made sustainability one of our core values. Sustainability influences how we purchase equipment, incorporate software into our operations, manage scrap material, and package and receive parts.
From investing in energy-efficient equipment to recycling nearly everything that enters our facility, sustainability is built into our culture. Here’s how:
Why Sustainability Matters in Manufacturing
As precision machining becomes more advanced, the industry’s environmental footprint also grows. Energy use, coolant consumption, scrap material, packaging, and chemical processes all have the potential to generate waste.
That’s why, in an industry that is becoming increasingly complex and introducing more margin for error than ever before, Reata’s team takes extra caution to protect the environment and meet our customers’ sustainability requirements.
Energy Efficiency Starts with Smart Machine Selection
One of the major contributing factors in creating sustainable facilities has been our investment in 480-volt machines. While most shops run equipment at 240 volts, our higher-voltage approach reduces current and puts less strain on the power grid. Additionally, the newer equipment we purchase comes with modern power-saving features. This choice offers long-term sustainability benefits, including:
- Smaller wiring requirements
- Lower energy consumption
- Cleaner, more efficient processing
Recycling, a Core Part of Our Daily Operations
We recycle virtually everything at our Colorado machine shop. Material, coolant, oil, tooling… you name it!
Reata recycles:
- Scrap materials and raw materials
- All used coolant and oil
- Dull or broken tooling
- Paper and plastic office waste
- Shipping materials (such as cardboard and foam)
Any packaging that can be reused is reused. And materials that cannot be reused are responsibly recycled to reduce the environmental impact of our contract manufacturing operations.
Packaging with Purpose
Packaging plays a major role in our sustainability practices and in protecting the critical parts leaving our facilities.
Many of our customers have strict packaging requirements. Other times, we need to make judgment calls based on our own experience and understanding. For example, paper can scratch aluminum components, making them unusable for cosmetically critical applications. In cases like this, we may reuse foam or plastic whenever possible.
When sustainable options don’t exist for the protection level needed, we still recycle everything we can after use.
Meeting Global Sustainability Standards
Our commitment to sustainability extends worldwide. Reata is a paid Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) subscriber, a requirement for many of our European customers. Each year we:
- Complete environmental questionnaires
- Submit documentation
- Demonstrate improvement across sustainability metrics
- Get rated on our progress
This level of compliance supports our customers in industries that depend heavily on environmental responsibility. Additionally, it keeps us accountable, so we track our progress and continue to evolve our sustainability practices.
A Culture That Lives and Breathes Sustainability
When our President and CEO, Grady Cope, chose our current building, the decision was shaped by more than just the location and space. On his first visit to the property, he saw six great horned owls perched on the structure overlooking what is called Windmill Creek. Just recently, he observed a small pack of coyotes behind the building. His love of our area’s nature and wildlife influenced Grady to choose our location, and it pushes him to ensure our company runs in an environmentally friendly manner.
Many of the people here at Reata share Grady’s sentiment. That’s why protecting our environment has become a mindset shared across the company.
A nearly paperless culture
Our commitment is reinforced through the software platforms we use, which keep us almost entirely paperless. Digital work instructions, automated planning systems, and advanced ERP/quoting tools allow us to operate efficiently without generating paper waste.
Sustainable Business Practices Benefit Reata’s Customers
Our sustainability efforts translate directly into customer benefits:
- Lower waste → lower long-term operating costs
- Efficient energy usage → more reliable production
- ECOS certifications → global compliance
- Responsible packaging → reducing environmental impact
At Reata, sustainability drives the way we operate today, tomorrow, and years into the future.
Discuss your next project with our expert team.