OCTOBER 25, 2001 - Keykert USA, Inc.=s Webberville plant received the Consultation Education and Training Bronze Award for an outstanding safety and health record from the Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services (CIS) on Thursday, October 25, 2001.

The Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division of the CIS Bureau of Safety and Regulation recognizes the safety and health achievements of Michigan employers and employees through CET Awards, which are based on excellent safety and health performance.  The CET Bronze Award recognizes leadership and commitment to workplace safety and health resulting in significant improvement of their Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act (MIOSHA) record.

AKeykert USA is an outstanding economic success story in Michigan,@ said CIS Deputy Director Dr. Kalmin Smith.  ASince 1999, the Webberville plant doubled the size of its workforce, while at the same time its lost-time injuries were cut in half.”

CIS Deputy Director Smith presented the award to Ken Yungkans, Plant Manager.  Yungkans credits the efforts of Environmental, Health & Safety Coordinator Kathy Gurnee, the plant=s Safety Committee and the entire production team for the accomplishment.

  AThe safety of our people really is our number one concern here.  We=re living proof that improved quality and improved efficiency, don=t have to come at the expense of our employees= well-being,@ said Yungkans.

Keykert USA is a world leader in the manufacture of automotive locks and latching systems, providing these parts for many vehicles including:  Jaguar, Saturn and Ford=s Focus, Lincoln LS and Escape models.  Keykert USA, a subsidiary of the Kiekert Group headquartered in Germany, began operations in the U.S. just over 10 years ago.  Its Webberville facility has seen extensive growth since the plant was built in 1997.  The Webberville workforce more than doubled in 1999 and 2000.  Currently, Keykert is the city of Webberville=s largest employer - with more than 420 employees.

Read more Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services press releases.