August 22, 2006

Graphics 3, a printer located in Coldwater, has received a $127,706 state pollution prevention loan from the Department of Environmental Quality. The company applied for funds under the Small Business Pollution Prevention Loan Program to purchase a computer-to-plate imaging system that replaces its conventional printing equipment and will completely eliminate their use of film, proofing material, and developing chemicals in the pre-press department.

“More businesses are now seeking to incorporate pollution prevention into their capital investment projects,” said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. “I applaud Graphics 3 for their voluntary commitment to pollution prevention.”

The DEQ and the company’s local lending institution, Century Bank, each contributed half of the loan proceeds.

"Making this type of investment is a difficult choice for a small business, but provides a great benefit for our environment," said Mike Iveson, vice president of Graphics 3. "Receiving a low-interest loan from the P2 Loan Program has helped us move forward with this much needed project."

Businesses with fewer than 500 employees can apply for loans of up to $400,000 with a guaranteed interest rate of not more than 5 percent. The short application helps businesses describe how their projects will eliminate or reduce waste through source reduction, environmentally sound reuse, and/or recycling; including water and energy conservation projects.

Loans are available to all private business sectors including farming, manufacturing, retail, and service. For more information, contact the DEQ's Environmental Assistance Center at 800-662-9278, or by e-mail at deq-ead-env-assist@michigan.gov.

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”