May 6, 2004

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester announced today that American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM)-Detroit Gear & Axle in Detroit has been designated as a Michigan Clean Corporate Citizen in a program recognizing environmental stewardship.

AAM-Detroit Gear & Axle becomes the 85th facility to earn the honor. The 1.8 million square foot facility is located on the Detroit/Hamtramck border. Over 3,000 union and salaried workers manufacture driveline systems for sport utility vehicles and trucks for major automotive companies.

“The Detroit Gear & Axle team operates under a strong set of environmental principles and systems that build responsible environmental management and pollution prevention into all aspects of the plant’s operation,” Governor Granholm said. “A comprehensive environmental protection program benefits the urban community and makes good business sense. Their commitment to the quality of life in Detroit and Hamtramck is commendable.”

"We are extremely pleased to obtain the Clean Corporate Citizen designation for our facility and to be recognized by the Governor's office and the DEQ. Receiving this honor will only serve to strengthen our resolve towards pollution prevention and overall environmental quality," said Brad Comeau, Plant Manager at AAM-Detroit Gear & Axle.

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.

The Detroit Gear & Axle facility is AAM’s flagship driveline systems manufacturing operation and recently went through extensive renovations. AAM associates have set pollution prevention goals for energy use reduction including implementing a site-wide sophisticated energy management system and replacing older machinery with more energy efficient models, which resulted in a savings of over 733,000 kilowatt-hours. Their coolant management program has eliminated more than 51,000 gallons per year of coolant, formerly a waste product. The facility has also earned International Standards Organization 14001 certification, meeting the voluntary international standard for environmental management systems.

The newly built AAM World Headquarters is on adjacent property, and along with improvements to the Gear & Axle facility, the company has revamped neighborhood street lighting, landscaped areas of open land, and rebuilt sewers, streets, and sidewalks. The facility is a voluntary partner in the DEQ’s Michigan Business Pollution Prevention Partnership, according to DEQ Director Steven E. Chester.

“It is especially gratifying to welcome AAM’s Detroit Gear & Axle facility to our growing partnership of Clean Corporate Citizens,” said Chester. “They have elected to build and grow within the city of Detroit, and are making environmental protection and improvement a top priority for their workers and the surrounding neighborhoods. We consider them valuable partners in our efforts to protect Michigan’s environment.”

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

Revised May 6, 2004 by Pat Watson