June 8, 2004 –    Textron Fastening Systems’ Holly Operations – Gainey Road facility received the Rising Star Award today for an outstanding safety and health record from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA).

“I am honored to present this premiere safety and health recognition to the employees and management of the Textron Fastening Systems’ Holly Operations – Gainey Road facility,” said MIOSHA Director Doug Kalinowski.  “We applaud the safety and health leadership exhibited at this facility.”

“We are committed to providing a safe and healthful workplace for all Textron Fastening Systems employees,” said TFS President Rick Clayton. “The Holly Operations employees exemplify the dedication and commitment to safety that all of our facilities strive for globally.  By becoming only the third of our plants to earn a Rising Star Award, this team has proven that they have what it takes to implement and maintain a rigorous health and safety program.”

The Michigan Voluntary Protection Programs (MVPP) Rising Star Award is given to companies that have an outstanding safety and health management system in place and have the desire and commitment to achieve the highest level, the Michigan Star Award.    Only employers with the best safety and health programs are eligible for the MVPP Program.  The MIOSHA program is part of the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG).

“I am extremely proud of our team,” said Jim O’Dea, plant manager.  “Every one of our team members at Holly Operations is committed to excellence in workplace safety and health.  They truly deserve this award and I am honored to work with such a great team.”

The MIOSHA Review Team conducted seven formal and 10 informal interviews during the site visit.    The team examined each of the required elements of the Holly Operations’ safety and health management system and found them to effectively address the scope and complexity of the hazards at the site.

Areas of excellence at the Holly Operations facility include:

• Excellent machine guarding,
• “Tool stations” at each press for hand tool storage,
• Barriers installed around loading docks,
• Under-floor conveyor system to eliminate lifting and hauling scrap,
• Excellent housekeeping, and
• Extensive audit/inspection requirements.

The facility has three “Rising Star” goals, which will qualify them for the Star Award:

• Periodic review and analysis of contractor injury and illness data.
• Develop and implement a “Change Management Process.”
• Require that all contractors provide injury and illness data prior to hire, and provide annual updates.

The Holly Operations – Gainey Road facility employs 35 workers and produces metal washers for the automotive fastener industry.  Five to seven million washers are produced every day.  They have used the services of the MIOSHA Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division.

Textron Fastening, a $1.7 billion business unit of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), is a leading full-service provider of value-based fastening solutions, including engineered fastening systems, state-of-the-art assembly technology, and inventory management and application engineering services. Its global products include a broad array of threaded fasteners, blind fastening systems, cold-formed components, installation tools, automated assembly systems and solutions, applications engineering, and full service provider fastener management services.

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth news releases.