July 7, 2005

The Department of Environmental Quality announced today that Oetiker Inc. of Marlette has earned the distinction of becoming Michigan’s 115th Clean Corporate Citizen, a voluntary program recognizing environmental stewardship.

Oetiker, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of clamps and couplings used in agriculture, medical applications, industrial, automotive, landscaping, and construction activities.

In 1997, Oetiker constructed a new 57,000 square foot Technology Center in Marlette using “green” principals including a geothermal heating and cooling system. The company established targets to reduce the amount of water used by 10 percent, the amount of water discharged in their degreasing process by 10 percent, solid waste reductions of 5 percent, energy use reductions of 5 percent, liquid waste reductions of 10 percent, air emission reductions of 5 percent, and noise emission reductions of 5 percent. All goals were exceeded in 2004.

“The Clean Corporate Citizen designation was established as a goal of ours over a year ago,” said Kurt Matthes, Oetiker Inc. General Manager. “We always felt that, based on our environmental practices, we could achieve the positive recognition that accompanies this important designation.”

To qualify for a Clean Corporate Citizen designation, candidates must adopt a facility-specific environmental management system, active pollution prevention initiatives, and have a consistent record of compliance with applicable environmental requirements. The program is open to establishments regulated under any of Michigan’s environmental statutes. Designations are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. For more information on Clean Corporate Citizen designation, please visit our Web page at http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3307_366_4134---,00.html.

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

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised July 7, 2005 by Pat Watson