June 3, 2004

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester today announced that Pratt & Whitney AutoAir, Inc. in Lansing has been designated as Michigan’s 99th Clean Corporate Citizen.

Pratt & Whitney AutoAir is a leading supplier of composite and metal-bonded products to the aerospace industry, with three facilities in Lansing and one in Sunfield. Pratt & Whitney AutoAir also has design, manufacture, and repair capability for jet engine test equipment, acoustical containment hardware, and various aircraft components.

“I am pleased to recognize the entire team at Pratt & Whitney AutoAir for environmental achievement and dedication to continual improvement,” Governor Granholm said. “Their sound and sustainable operation makes them a valuable member of Lansing’s business community.”

“We are extremely pleased to be recognized as a new member of the Clean Corporate Citizen program by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality,” said John Borajkiewicz, General Manager. Mr. Borajkiewicz credited this accomplishment to the dedicated employees of Pratt & Whitney AutoAir and the cooperation of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. “Working together over the past two years we have been able to bring about dramatic changes in our Environmental, Health & Safety program, not only improving our daily environmental stewardship, but establishing a culture that will be sustainable for many years to come,” Borajkiewicz said. “We will continue to look for opportunities for improvements in our EH&S program and not be satisfied until we achieve World Class standards.”

Environmental improvements at the facility include the installation of a degreasing system that eliminated the use of trichloroethylene, projects to reduce natural gas usage and wastewater discharges, and a comprehensive off-hours shutdown plan to reduce electrical usage. The facility also has programs in place to reduce waste solvents in paint gun cleaners by 25 percent and improve the efficiency of waste handling practices.

“I welcome Pratt & Whitney AutoAir to Michigan’s growing list of environmentally conscious facilities designated as Clean Corporate Citizens,” said DEQ Director Chester. “Their pollution prevention programs save energy, reduce waste, and involve all associates in the achievement of environmental goals.”

Michigan’s Clean Corporate Citizen is a program recognizing responsible environmental management and pollution prevention. To qualify as a Clean Corporate Citizen, candidates must adopt a strong environmental management system, a facility-specific pollution prevention policy and program, and have a consistent record of compliance with applicable environmental requirements.

Clean Corporate Citizens are eligible for certain regulatory benefits under the state‘s environmental programs, including expedited permit approval. 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.

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