06/19/2026
Dept. of Energy recognizes SRK Tennessee
Published 1:44 pm Friday, June 5, 2026
By Press Release
SumiRiko Tennessee, Inc. implemented IoT-enabled monitoring and optimized machine scheduling to streamline operations and reduce energy use at its Tazewell, TN, site. (From the U.S. Dept of Energy)
SRK Tennessee has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings, Better Plants Initiative with a 2026 Better Practice Award for its innovative approach to energy management and operational efficiency.
The Better Practice Award is presented to organizations demonstrating innovative and industry-leading accomplishments in implementing and promoting practices, principles, and procedures of energy management.
SRK Tennessee, an automotive manufacturing facility in Tazewell, Tennessee, specializing in rubber-to-metal anti-vibration components, earned the national recognition for its IoT-driven machine scheduling and operational visibility initiative. The project focused on improving real-time visibility into machine activity, production scheduling, downtime, and energy demand across manufacturing operations.
By implementing IoT-enabled monitoring and scalable operational dashboards, SRK Tennessee was able to better identify inefficiencies, reduce unnecessary energy consumption, and support more informed operational decision-making throughout the facility.
The initiative began as a targeted operational improvement effort and expanded into a broader strategy supporting energy reduction, manufacturing efficiency, and sustainability goals across multiple production areas.
In addition to receiving the award, SRK Tennessee was selected to present its work during the U.S. Department of Energy Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit in Washington, D.C., as part of the nationally recognized “Best of the Betters” session highlighting standout award recipients.
The recognition reflects SRK Tennessee’s continued focus on innovation, operational excellence, and environmental stewardship within the automotive manufacturing industry.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings, Better Plants Initiative highlights organizations leading the way in advanced energy management and sustainability practices across the nation.
