When Franz Bakery opened its doors in Portland in 1906, the world looked very different. Today, as a fifth-generation family-owned business celebrating its 120th anniversary, Franz is proving that while its recipes are timeless, its operations are future-forward. By partnering with Energy Trust of Oregon, this Northwest staple is finding new ways to reduce waste, lower costs and build a stronger operation for the next century.
A legacy of efficiency
For Franz, sustainability isn’t a new concept – it shows up in the day-to-day decisions employees make across the bakery floor. Over the years, the company has systematically tackled waste across its facilities. From reducing plastic waste to updating interior lighting with high-efficiency LED bulbs, the bakery has treated saving energy as a key ingredient in its operational success.
One of their most impactful daily habits is also one of the simplest: energy management. For example, by making sure equipment is powered down when not in use and consistently identifying and repairing compressed air leaks, Franz has turned small behavioral changes into significant energy and cost savings.
Scaling success through Strategic Energy Management
To take its efforts to the next level, Franz’s Portland bakery joined Energy Trust’s Strategic Energy Management (SEM) program. With guidance from Energy Trust, Franz Bakery staff completed multiple hands-on “treasure hunts” – walking the facility to spot wasted energy, from idle equipment to unnecessary lighting.
Energy Trust also provided more than $96,000 in incentives over the past five years to help the bakery make behavioral changes or process improvements. Together, these efforts have resulted in around $119,000 in utility savings each year, or 1.1 million kWh in energy savings for the Portland General Electric customers since 2021 – enough to power more than 100 homes for a year – while lowering utility costs and improving operational efficiency.
Russ Rochambeau, chief engineer at Franz Portland Bakery, says participating in the SEM program has changed their company culture to avoid wasting energy.
“Everybody, from leadership to the team on the floor, is thinking about it,” said Rochambeau. “That culture shift has been the biggest game changer. If you’re not finding opportunities to save energy, you’re not looking.”
More than just energy savings
The benefits of these upgrades extend beyond the balance sheet. By improving its lighting and streamlining operations, Franz has created a more comfortable and efficient workspace for employees across the bakery floor. This commitment to “energy-smart” manufacturing ensures that worker comfort and operational excellence go hand-in-hand.
“Franz Bakery has always been a homegrown business rooted in the community,” says Erin Putnam, business programs marketing manager at Energy Trust of Oregon. “By helping its operations use less energy and working with Energy Trust, Franz is able to honor its 120-year history while leading the way in energy efficient manufacturing for others to do the same.”
As Franz Bakery celebrates its milestone anniversary in 2026, it stands as a leader for other industrial businesses in the region. Its success shows how long-standing companies can evolve by empowering employees, embracing change and finding new efficiencies in everyday operations.
Key project results:
- $96,323 in Energy Trust cash incentives since 2021
- Around $119,000 in estimated annual energy savings
- 1.1 million kWh saved since 2021, equal to the power needed for 105 homes
- More efficient operations and reduced energy waste
Learn how Energy Trust can help your industrial facility save on energy costs. You can also reach our team directly to answer any questions you have. Give us a call at 1.866.202.0576 or email production@energytrust.org.