The Ralphs-Pugh Co. plans to take full advantage of its location in sunny California by converting its 40,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Benicia to solar-powered electricity. "With a temperate climate and an average of 262 sunny days per year, our location is ideal to maximize the use of solar energy," President Bill Pugh said in an announcement. A rooftop solar power system engineered by Helio Power Solar Solutions is projected to supply 90 percent of the company's annual electricity needs.

The venerable manufacturer and supplier of conveyor rollers and components for material handling applications—founded in 1912—boasts an up-to-date attitude toward the environment. "Ralphs-Pugh is committed to being an environmentally sensitive company. In addition to a good economic investment, converting to solar is the right thing to do from an environmental perspective," Pugh said.