July 1, 2004

On March 31, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester, designated Machine Tool & Gear Inc. as a Michigan Clean Corporate Citizen.

“This is the 101st site to join this elite environmental partnership, and Shiawassee County’s first C3 partner,” Governor Granholm said. “Citizens of Michigan welcome the proactive management of this sustainable business.”

As a growing mid-Michigan supplier of axles, differential pins, and gears for the automotive industry, Machine Tool & Gear, Inc. supplies major customers like American Axle Manufacturing, General Motors, and Ford Motor Company. They have been doing precision machining since 1927 and they are one of seven plants owned by the parent company, Newcor. Environmental achievements this past year included reducing the use of absorbents and increasing in-plant recycling by 20 percent. As a valuable community partner, they have recently established recycling stations for employees and community members at the Corunna plant. Future goals include energy and natural resource use reductions.

“We welcome Machine Tool & Gear to the Clean Corporate Citizen program,” said Director Steven Chester. “With this designation, the company joins Michigan’s top environmental performers. We recognize them as active and valuable partners in our state.”

Michigan’s Clean Corporate Citizen (C3) certification is a voluntary program recognizing environmental stewardship. To qualify for a Clean Corporate Citizen designation, candidates must adopt a facility-specific environmental management system and active pollution prevention initiatives, 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 July 1, 2004 by Pat Watson