January 16, 2007

Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester today announced that MACSTEEL Monroe, Inc. has been designated the 141st Michigan Clean Corporate Citizen in a voluntary program recognizing environmental management and stewardship.

MACSTEEL Monroe is a scrap-based producer of special bar quality and engineered steel bars primarily serving the light vehicle and heavy-duty truck markets. The facility also performs surface and ultrasonic inspection, straightening, polishing, and a complete range of heat treating applications.

MACSTEEL Monroe reclaimed and revitalized a closed steel operation east of I-75 in Monroe and now provides jobs to approximately 380 associates.

"I would like to extend my congratulations to the entire MACSTEEL Monroe team for their achievement and dedication to environmental protection," said Director Chester. "MACSTEEL has made the commitment to providing jobs in the Monroe community while continually seeking opportunities to prevent pollution and keep our environment safe."

The facility has set and achieved environmental goals including 10 percent reduction in natural gas use, 20 percent reduction in waste disposal, and 30 percent reduction in overall waste generation. In addition, MACSTEEL Monroe is targeting further reductions in electricity and water use, has committed to continual improvement throughout their environmental management system, and has voluntarily joined the DEQ as a partner in the Michigan Business Pollution Prevention Partnership.

"We are extremely pleased to be recognized as one of Michigan's Clean Corporate Citizens. We are also very proud to be Michigan's first Steel Producing facility to earn the Clean Corporate Citizen designation," said Mike Roper, General Manager of MACSTEEL Monroe. "We believe achieving the C3 designation is a result of our ISO 14001 efforts as well as our company values toward continuous improvement and Environmental Stewardship."

Demonstrating a long-term commitment to continued operation in their community, MACSTEEL Monroe participated in an Economic Development Job Training/job retention grant through Monroe Community College in 2005. MACSTEEL Monroe received targeted training to retain and create jobs in the steel industry, and provided a 30 percent minimum funding match.

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. Designations must be renewed on a regular basis.

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"