SHPE - Winter 2008 - (Page 29) grounds, interests and experience as we continue to find new and improved ways to further our position as the premier agricultural processing company and the leader in bio-energy,” Weber added. For Michelin Americas Research Company, developing new and improved products that happen to be green is not a new ambition, according to David Stafford, chief operating officer. In the mid-1940’s, the company introduced the radial tire, which was more energy efficient than biasply tires. “Tires impact fuel efficiency, and fuel efficiency is the key green driver,” he said. Regarding total volume fuel consumption, tires can contribute from 20 to 30 percent for commercial trucks and 10 to 20 percent for passenger cars. Since the early 1990’s, Michelin’s focus has been to reduce the tire’s impact on fuel consumption. Indeed, the company is on its fourth-generation fuel-efficient tires. Engineers are continually working to reduce tire rolling resistance, the force necessary to make the tires on the vehicle move forward. Michelin has designed single-tire fitments for commercial trucks, which have reduced by 30 to 35 percent the mass of materials used as compared to typical dual-tire fitments. R&D efforts are focused on formulating and building compound materials that will contribute to energy efficiency. Today’s tire comprises more than 200 ingredients. Engineers continue to develop new synthetic materials and to reformulate existing combinations. While graduates today are much more in touch with green initiatives and may be drawn to Michelin’s corporate value of respect for the environment, the company is not recruiting specific environmental profiles. “Hiring smart engineers is not new for us,” Stafford said. The company continues to hire engineers with skills to meet the materials design challenges they are addressing. Case in point: It is estimated that by 2030 there will be twice as many vehicles in the world as there are today. Michelin’s commitment is to consume the same amount of materials used today to produce tires in 2030. Stafford explained that the company’s goal requires new lowenergy-loss materials. While it’s a tremendous challenge, it opens the door for creative research and design for chemical, materials and mechanical engineers. www.SHPE.org R Winter 2008 Green Services at Your Service “Although not labeled as ‘green engineering,’ the concept of green engineering has been a key component of Amtrak’s environmental management initiatives for many years,” said Kevin Marshall, director of Employment Diversity. It isn’t enough that railroad travel is a more efficient and environmentally friendly mode of travel than aircraft and automobile. The company’s environmental group, within its Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) program, is developing additional ways to minimize its environmental impact, particularly in its operations branch departments such as Engineering, Mechanical and Transportation. To meet various federal regulations, Amtrak is tasked with constructing and installing such systems as track pan/containment and upgrading hazardous material storage facilities and wastewater treat- ® Drive Your Career A Better Way Forward Become part of a company that lives by its values of respect for customers, respect for people, respect for shareholders, respect for the environment and respect for facts. Become part of a company that believes in the res p o n s ib le p er f o r man c e o f it s p ro d u c ts an d services. Become part of a company whose industry leadership is built on quality and innovation. A company that realizes the value of diversity and quality of worklife in its organization. A company that believes in community partnership. Become part of a company with flexible career paths that allows you to steer the direction you want to go. Become part of Michelin and drive your career a better way forward. Please visit us online at: www.careers.michelin-us.com Michelin North America, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. 29 http://www.careers.michelin-us.com http://www.careers.michelin-us.com http://www.SHPE.org
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