Maryland Energy Administration Grant Upgrades Bimbo Bakery Fleet to Clean Burning Propane

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jahmai Sharp-Moore | 443-694-3651

Baltimore, MD – The Elkridge, MD Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU) facility has deployed a new fleet of delivery vehicles fueled by emissions-reducing, domestically produced propane autogas. Made possible in part from a grant by the Maryland Energy Administration and equipped with ROUSH CleanTech fuel technology the new Ford F-59 trucks are a major commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability.  “We are encouraged to see local businesses embracing alternative fuel vehicles which are vital to reducing our reliance on petroleum,” said Mary Beth Tung, Maryland Energy Administration Director.

The total award from MEA, under the Maryland Freedom Fleet Voucher Program (FFVP), was for $340,000 for 45 vehicles which are expected to displace over 190,000 gallons of petroleum annually with lower up-front costs, minimal impact to operations and will allow for stability for fuel costs. “This commitment from BBU is a prime example of the Maryland Clean Cities Coalition in action, featuring partnerships that promote the economy and protects the environment,” stated Director Tung.

“This initiative is the latest in our company’s continued effort to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Gary Maresca, senior director of fleet services for BBU. BBU has also installed an on-site fueling station at their Howard County facility, eliminating the need to refill at retail stations. BBU expects to see a reduction in operational costs as a result of the lower fuel prices as well as maintenance savings due to the cleaner-burning properties of the fuel.

Representatives from MEA and BBU will gather at the BBU facility at 7260 Parkway Dr. in Hanover, MD on Wednesday, December 7 at 10 am to see the new fleet in action and a propane fueling demonstration.
MEA offers several additional transportation grants to increase energy efficiency including the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Program (AFIP), Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program (EVIP), Maryland Natural Gas Vehicle Voucher Program and Natural Gas Refilling Station Grant Program. Visit www.energy.maryland.gov for more information and a full list of grants.

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Maryland Energy Administration
On behalf of Governor Hogan the mission of the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is to promote affordable, reliable and cleaner energy for the benefit of all Marylanders.  To achieve its mission, MEA advises the Governor, General Assembly on matters relating to energy policy.  MEA administers grant and loan programs to encourage clean energy technologies in all sectors of Maryland’s economy: Residential, Commercial, Agricultural, and Transportation. For more information about the Maryland Energy Administration, visit www.energy.maryland.gov .

About Bimbo Bakeries USA
Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU) is a leader in the baking industry, known for its category leading brands, innovative products, freshness and quality. Our team of 21,000 U.S. associates operates more than 50 manufacturing locations in the United States. Over 11,000 distribution routes deliver our leading brands such as Arnold®, Bimbo®, Boboli®, Brownberry®, Entenmann’s®, Freihofer’s®, Heiners ®, Marinela®, Mrs Baird’s®, Nature’s Harvest®, Oroweat®, Sara Lee®, Stroehmann®, Thomas’®, and Tia Rosa.® BBU is owned by Mexico’sGrupo Bimbo, S.A.B de C.V., the world’s largest baking company with operations in 22 countries.