How SouthWire Saved by Restoring 3,000 Gallons of Metalworking Oil

When SouthWire’s 500,000-square-foot metalworking facility in Carrollton, Georgia, began removing an old 1980-era metalworking machine, the team expected the usual challenges that come with decommissioning equipment of that age. What they didn’t expect was the opportunity to save more than $50,000 simply by choosing to restore their metalworking oil instead of replacing it.

Although the machine itself had reached the end of its service life, the 3,000 gallons of oil inside the reservoir were still structurally good. However, after decades of operation, the bottom of the reservoir developed a thick layer of metal fines, sediment, and large debris. Simply pumping the oil into totes would have carried all of this contamination with it, creating unusable fluid and forcing the facility into expensive disposal and replacement costs.

Why Restoring Metalworking Fluids Matters

Metalworking fluids are one of the most expensive consumables in manufacturing, and replacing thousands of gallons can add up fast. This is why fluid restoration and filtration have become essential strategies for manufacturers looking to reduce operating costs and improve sustainability. If the oil itself hasn’t broken down chemically, filtration can bring it back to a usable state, saving both money and unnecessary waste.

The Filtration Solution SouthWire Chose

To recover the metalworking oil, SouthWire rented a 30 GPM portable filter skid paired with a stainless-

steel #4 filter housing using 50-micron felt bag filters from OFS. This combination allowed for fast flow rates, strong debris separation, and the capacity to handle the large volume of sludge sitting at the bottom of the tank.

The moment the rental system went online, it began pulling out the layers of metal fines, sludge, and settled particulates that had been collecting for decades. Instead of transferring contaminated oil into totes, which would only have created a bigger problem, the filtration system separated out the large debris and cleaned the oil to a level suitable for reuse.

The Results: Clean Oil, Zero Waste, and $50,000 Saved

Once filtration was complete, all 3,000 gallons of metalworking oil were restored to usable condition. SouthWire didn’t have to buy new oil, schedule waste hauling, or deal with unnecessary downtime. The cost savings, estimated at more than $50,000, came simply from choosing to filter the existing fluid rather than replace it.

By choosing restoration over replacement, they saved money, reduced waste, and kept their decommissioning project moving smoothly. Whether you're planning a machine removal, preparing for maintenance, or simply looking to reduce operating costs, our team is ready to assist. Contact OFS today to discuss your filtration needs and get a customized solution for your facility.