Melink Solar & GMi Companies
1,600-PANEL SOLAR SYSTEM REDUCES ENERGY EXPENSES AND CARBON FOOTPRINT
The people at GMi believe in taking bold steps to create a brighter future.”— Seth Parker, CEO of Melink SolarLEBANON, OH, UNITED STATES, July 26, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — GMi Companies, a manufacturer of visual communication tools, display products, and furniture solutions, is now commemorating the completion of its 1,600-panel rooftop solar array. This 950-kilowatt (kW) system, mounted on a standing seam roof, is anticipated to cover nearly all of the facility’s electricity consumption, enabling Net Zero Energy status on an annual basis.
The solar installation at this site is forecast to generate more than $70,000 in energy savings during its first year and roughly $5.8 million over three decades. Over its operational lifespan, the array is expected to offset around 14,400 metric tons of carbon dioxide, an amount comparable to planting 216,100 trees. After consulting with the local utility, GMi determined that it could meet 100% of its net yearly electricity needs through solar power. Since no backup batteries are installed, GMi will still draw electricity from the grid at night or during overcast conditions, but it will receive credits for the surplus solar energy produced on sunny days.
Situated at 2999 Henkle Drive in Lebanon, the family-owned business—in operation since 1976—lists environmental stewardship as one of its foundational principles. Christye Leasure, GMi’s Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, remarks, “We are passionate about making GMi Companies and community stronger and more resilient, and making sure the company supports initiatives that reduce our carbon footprint.”
Leasure is enthusiastic about positioning the next generation for financial success alongside environmental responsibility, as GMi reduces its future electricity costs.
Melink Solar, a Cincinnati-based commercial solar engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firm, handled system design, equipment procurement, installation, and monitoring for the project, which started in December 2025 and wrapped up in July 2026. “When a company's core values include environmental responsibility, and the employees truly want to make progress, we know it will be a great partnership. GMi Companies walks the talk, and Melink Solar is honored to help with this major milestone,” said Seth Parker, CEO of Melink Solar. “The people at GMi believe in taking bold steps to create a brighter future.”
Adopting solar energy represents a natural step forward for GMi; the company remains fully dedicated to sustainable practices, including achieving BIFMA LEVEL® certification for glassboards, implementing packaging efficiencies to minimize waste, and maintaining a commitment to domestic manufacturing for a smaller carbon footprint, especially with recyclable products.
ABOUT GMI COMPANIES
Founded in 1976, GMi Companies has spent 50 years designing and fulfilling customer needs with innovative, customizable communication, collaboration, and learning solutions under the Ghent brand. Starting as a premier supplier of visual communication tools, Ghent now offers display, space division, and healthcare solutions in addition to visual communication products such as whiteboards, glassboards, bulletin boards, and enclosed message centers. Our products are specified through our dealer partner network and used to complete a space, making it more collaborative and functional.
ABOUT MELINK SOLAR
Melink Solar designs and builds commercial solar ground mounts, roof mounts, and parking canopies in Ohio and across the United States. Since 1987, Melink Solar has been a leader in sustainable business practices in Ohio and assists Ohio partners in gaining control over their operational costs through on-site solar projects. As the #1 EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) firm in Ohio and the Midwest, Melink Solar brings more than 15 years of experience executing utility-grade projects for commercial and industrial manufacturing customers as well as utility-scale developers. With a background as a solar owner/operator and over 300MW of installed solar capacity, Melink Solar delivers a seamless, customer-focused experience at every project stage—from energy bill analysis to project completion and advocate celebration.
Matt King
Elevar Marketing Group
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