June 3, 2004

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester today announced that Haworth Incorporated facilities located in Douglas and Ludington have earned the Michigan Clean Corporate Citizen designation.

Haworth Inc. has been manufacturing office furniture products and components in Michigan since 1948. The Haworth facility in Douglas becomes the 95th to earn the honor and the first in Allegan County; while the Haworth-Ludington Components in Ludington earned designation as the 96th Clean Corporate Citizen, the first in Mason County.

“I applaud Haworth for making effective environmental management of the workplace one of their highest corporate priorities,” Governor Granholm said. “This designation recognizes the Douglas and Ludington associates for their progressive attitude toward environmental responsibility and their pollution prevention achievements.”

Both Haworth facilities manage recycling programs that keep scrap steel, light bulbs, batteries, waste oil and coolant, cardboard, paper, barrels, computers, and plastic components from being landfilled. To support corporate air pollution prevention goals, both facilities operate a 100 percent solvent-free powder painting process. The Douglas facility also recycles aluminum and Ludington Components includes fabric in their recycling program. Haworth, Inc. has also joined the DEQ as a corporate partner in the Michigan Business Pollution Prevention Partnership.

“We are pleased to welcome these facilities as Clean Corporate Citizens and look forward to their continuing proactive partnership with the DEQ,” said DEQ Director Chester. “The Corporate commitment by Haworth to integrate the philosophy of pollution prevention and environmental responsibility serves as an example to other Michigan companies that environmental stewardship, while remaining economically competitive, is achievable.”

“Doing what’s right to sustain the environment has been embedded in our culture since our founding. It’s a wonderful honor to be recognized by the state not just once, but twice, as a leader in such an important aspect of our business,” said Dennis Boles, Haworth’s Director of Global Facilities.

The Douglas and Ludington facilities earned International Standards Organization 14001 certification in 2002, meeting the voluntary international standard for environmental management systems.

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 are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

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

Revised June 3, 2004 by Pat Watson