Salem, Oregon – September 29, 2026 -- Reser's Fine Foods has completed two energy efficiency upgrades at its new Don Pancho West facility that are expected to cut overall electricity use by more than 20%, saving nearly 1.9 million kilowatt-hours annually and reducing facility emissions by 8%.
New CO2 refrigeration system replaces six units and cuts power use 41%
The 300,000-square-foot facility, which Don Pancho moved into in September 2025, now runs a centralized refrigeration system using carbon dioxide as its primary refrigerant, replacing six systems that relied on a higher-global-warming-potential refrigerant. The new system is expected to consume 41% less electricity than the modeled baseline while delivering 114% greater refrigeration capacity and more consistent temperature control, positioning Reser's as an early food-manufacturing adopter of CO2 refrigeration technology.
Compressed air upgrade adds variable speed compressor, cuts power use 44%
A second project installed a variable speed compressor and an energy-efficient heated-blower dryer, adjusting output to match facility demand and reducing air losses. The system is projected to use 44% less electricity than its modeled baseline.
Energy Trust of Oregon provided no-cost study and post-installation verification
Energy Trust of Oregon supplied technical expertise, a no-cost energy study during planning, and post-installation performance analysis to verify results. The partnership between Reser's and Energy Trust dates to 2003 and has covered energy efficiency improvements across multiple Reser's facilities.
"Energy efficiency was an important consideration as we planned and built this facility," said Rusty Corriell, Director of Capital Projects at Reser's Fine Foods. "Energy Trust brought valuable technical expertise to the process and helped us evaluate solutions that support efficient, reliable operations."
Laura Schaefer, Senior Program Manager at Energy Trust, said considering energy performance early and verifying results after installation creates lasting environmental and operational benefits for the facility.