Case Study by Otter Tail Power Company: 
Kenny’s Candy of Perham Lighting Retrofit

Kenny’s Candy Company, Inc., in Perham, started making licorice twists in 1987, and they have expanded steadily to become a national and international brand.

The plant updated much of its lighting in 2008. Now with expanded space and newer technologies available, a plant-wide lighting retrofit would help to deliver lower operating costs, increased production margins, and enhanced light quality.

Kenny’s contracted with JC Electric of Perham, Minnesota, to install 520 high-efficiency LED (light-emitting diode) fixtures throughout the plant, replacing fluorescent and metal halide lighting. Dimming controls and occupancy sensors completed the project, allowing the ability to customize lighting levels and to shut off lights in unoccupied areas. In addition to expert technical advice and assistance from Otter Tail’s Chris Waltz, the company provided rebates that helped achieve a three-year pay back.

Benefits of the Retrofit were Three-Fold:
• LED light fixtures average a 100,000-hour life. That’s about four times longer than metal halide fixtures and twice as long as fluorescents significantly reducing maintenance costs.
• LEDs give off less heat. So the fully air-conditioned plant will realize lower cooling costs.
• Improved lighting quality. Superior lighting enhances safety for employees and increases product quality control.