The Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC), based at the University of Texas at Arlington, is helping manufacturers across the state cut pollution using real-time sensor technology—a breakthrough approach that has earned statewide recognition.
The initiative, which uses sensors to monitor environmental metrics like energy use, air quality, and water consumption, recently won TMAC the Environmental Excellence Award for Technical Innovation from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Governor Greg Abbott presented the award.
“This project helps Texas companies become more efficient while reducing environmental impact,” said Rodney Reddic, TMAC Executive Director. “It’s a scalable model for both economic growth and environmental leadership.”
In what is the state’s first large-scale use of sensors for pollution prevention, TMAC outfitted facilities with tools to measure and analyze key environmental data. One client, a snack packaging firm, discovered air leaks in an air compressor costing them over $39,000 annually in wasted electricity. Fixing the leaks prevented 228 metric tons of CO₂ emissions and encouraged the company to expand sensor use across other locations—potentially saving an additional $195,000.
In another case, a car parts supplier used TMAC’s flow sensors to identify water waste in its washing system. The change could save 3.5 million gallons of water each year. A military parts manufacturer also benefited, potentially cutting $450,000 in annual costs after TMAC identified air leaks using electric particulate sensors.
“The accuracy of the data gives company leaders real insight into ROI and environmental impact,” said Kurt Middelkoop, TMAC’s sustainability advisor and principal investigator of the U.S. EPA grant that funded the project.
The program not only helps businesses lower operational costs, but also reinforces Texas’s role as a leader in both manufacturing and environmental responsibility.
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