October 11, 2004

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester have designated Nyloncraft, Incorporated Michigan’s 105th Clean Corporate Citizen.

“I commend the entire team at Nyloncraft for achieving this state’s top environmental award,” Governor Granholm said. “Michigan’s economy rolls on the strength of our automotive industry and their supporting manufacturing markets. Nyloncraft builds environmental responsibility into every aspect of their operations, demonstrating that being a good corporate environmental neighbor is not only the right thing to do but also a must in today’s economy.”

Located in Jonesville in northern Hillsdale County, Nyloncraft supplies injection molded thermoplastic parts and assemblies to Honda Corporation, General Motors Corporation, Visteon Corporation, DURA Automotive, Denso Manufacturing, and other automotive manufacturers. Interior trim, in-dash air ducts, fan shrouds, and mud guards are a few of the components produced at the facility.

Nyloncraft’s business policy states: “We focus on providing quality, cost efficient products on time, while controlling our impact on the environment, preventing pollution, and meeting customer and regulatory requirements.” According to Jeff Sherman, Plant Manager, “We use these goals to direct our daily work practices.”

Nyloncraft sets yearly goals and establishes environmental programs to ensure continual improvement. Oil usage is reduced by 10 percent annually; natural gas usage was reduced by utilizing heat generated by the equipment and distributed throughout the plant; lighting is being replaced with low mercury fluorescent bulbs; and on-going recycling efforts include cardboard, paper, plastics, toner and printer cartridges, skids, and metals.

Nyloncraft’s environmental commitment reaches beyond the facility walls and into the community by participating in an annual cleanup of the St. Joseph River during Riverfest in Jonesville and by serving as a member of the Kalamazoo River Basin phosphorus level reduction initiative. In addition, Nyloncraft has conducted a study of energy usage in conjunction with the University of Michigan, as well as maintaining an ongoing partnership with Consumers Energy to identify and implement energy reduction strategies.

“I offer my congratulations to the management and associates at Nyloncraft for achieving this designation,” said Director Chester. “Their commitment to environmental stewardship at their facility as well as being good environmental neighbors serves as an industry model to strive for.”

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

Revised October 11, 2004 by Pat Watson