For many Atlantic Canadians, Crosby’s Fancy Molasses is more than something in the cupboard, it’s part of family tradition and warm memories. The company’s red-capped cartons are a familiar sight across kitchens in New Brunswick and beyond.
“We had it every Sunday with dessert,” says Rob Powell, Vice-President of Crosby Liquid Bulk Terminal. “It’s something that sticks with people.”
But while the brand is rooted in tradition, the business behind it is always looking forward, especially when it comes to saving energy and running more efficiently.
A Long History in Saint John
Crosby Foods started in 1879 in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, trading local goods for Caribbean molasses. In 1897, the company moved to Saint John, where it has stayed ever since.
Today, it’s still run by the Crosby family, now into its fifth generation. Their warehouse, production space and office all sit close to the Port of Saint John, a connection that’s helped them grow for over 100 years.
“There are deep roots here in New Brunswick,” Powell says. “We’ve got grandkids of former employees working here now.”
Old Building, New Goals
While the Crosby’s product line has expanded over the years, the company’s facilities were showing their age. Some of their equipment was over 50 years old. The boiler was outdated, lighting was dim and water systems weren’t working as well as they could.
“We’re always trying to improve,” Powell says. “But with an older building, we needed help figuring out where to start.”
That help came from SaveEnergyNB.
Getting Help from the Experts
Crosby Foods first worked with SaveEnergyNB to complete an energy audit. This review looked at how the building used energy and where improvements could be made.
“It was just so easy,” says Powell. “The folks from SaveEnergyNB came through for a tour. We talked about what we do and they helped us focus on what would give us the best results.”
The audit helped Crosby’s decide which projects would save the most energy and gave them a clear plan, including what rebates and funding support they could apply for.
Powell says he was surprised at how smooth the whole process was, from the energy audit to applying for rebates.
“We thought it would be full of paperwork and delays,” he says. “But once we submitted the invoices, everything was reviewed quickly, and the rebate came through fast.”
Big Changes with Real Benefits
Steam plays a big part in Crosby’s daily operations. It’s used to heat molasses and clean equipment. But their old boiler system was unreliable and unsafe.
With support from SaveEnergyNB, they replaced it with two new high-efficiency boilers, adding a backup to reduce downtime. They also fixed a faulty heat exchanger, which had become a safety risk.
“We were always worried about employees getting burned with steam,” Powell explains. “Now, filling a cleaning truck with hot water takes one hour instead of eight. That’s a huge time-saver.”
The upgrades weren’t just about saving money. They also made the workplace safer and more comfortable for everyone from forklift drivers to the cleaning crew.
“They can do their work more easily and safely,” Powell says. “That means a lot to us.”
The team also updated lighting across the production floor and warehouse. Dim lights made it hard to read labels and operate machinery safely. The new LED lighting, combined with motion sensors, improved visibility and energy savings.
“People were like, ‘Wow, I don’t have to squint anymore. I can actually see my tablet,’” Powell says.
One small fix made a big difference: insulating a long steam pipe that used to overheat a hallway. “Even in winter, it was over 50 degrees Celsius in there,” Powell says. “Now it’s way more comfortable, and we’re not losing all that heat.”
Better for People – and the Planet
And by saving energy, Crosby’s is also doing its part to reduce its impact on the environment.
“We take our role seriously,” says Powell. “The Port of Saint John is making sustainability a priority, and we want to be part of that effort.”
In fact, Crosby Foods received the 2024 Port Saint John Sustainability Award for their leadership in energy efficiency.
Advice for Other Businesses
For businesses considering their own upgrades, Powell says the key is to start with the energy audit and reach out early.
“It doesn’t matter how big or small your company is. SaveEnergyNB makes it easy,” he says. “Get them involved at the beginning. Once you see what support is available, you’ll realize it’s something you can actually do.”
Looking Ahead
After more than 145 years in business, Crosby Foods is still growing and evolving, and energy efficiency is part of that journey.
“We’ve been here a long time,” Powell says. “And we plan to be here for the next 145.”
