SEPTEMBER 21, 2000 - Lacks Enterprises of Grand Rapids received two Ergonomic Innovation Awards from the Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services (CIS) today.

The Ergonomic Innovation Award is issued to employers by the CIS Bureau of Safety and Regulation’s Consultation Education & Training (CET) Division for innovative ideas which have been implemented to reduce worker strain.

"Ergonomic injuries and illnesses are a major concern to employers today," said CIS Director Kathleen Wilbur. "We are proud to recognize Lacks Enterprises for its outstanding efforts to make ergonomic changes to protect employees, and at the same time increase productivity. This just makes good business sense."

Lacks Enterprises has 13 manufacturing plants in the Grand Rapids area. They have initiated significant ergonomic changes in its plants to reduce workplace injuries. Two plants received awards for ergonomic innovations: the Barden Assembly Plant and the 52^nd Street Paint East Plant.

BSR Director Doug Earle presented the award to Lacks Enterprises President Richard Lacks, Jr. Employee and management representatives, as well as plant safety committee members attended the presentation. Other state and local officials were on hand to congratulate Lacks Enterprises.

"Our President, Richard Lacks, Jr., has given us the direction and support required to make health and safety the top priority at Lacks Enterprises," said Roger Andrzejewski, Director of Human Resources. "His leadership promotes a working environment that generates the necessary cooperation between safety, medical, maintenance and manufacturing personnel, which results in the ergonomic innovations that we have implemented. We take great pride in our accomplishments, and the recognition we are receiving from the State of Michigan."

The Barden Assembly Plant rearranged work stations with specific equipment to keep worker’s wrists in a neutral position, thereby preventing repetitive motion injuries. Workers at the 52^nd Street Paint East Plant place 4' by 5' grilles into long boxes, which caused back stress. Corrugated boxes were replaced with foams cells which automatically banded together and allowed employees to work at their comfort level.

Dr. Lee Pool, Corporate Medical Director, showed a videotape of some of Lacks’ ergonomic innovations, and described their ergonomic committee process. Lacks Enterprises has also worked extensively with CET safety and health consultants to address ergonomic issues.

"Lacks Enterprises has positioned its company as a leader in ergonomic awareness and safety," said BSR Director Doug Earle. "We applaud their efforts to work safely and work smartly."

For four decades, Lacks Enterprises has been a leader in the production of exterior decorative trim components for the automotive industry. Their progressive use of integrated production, coupled with sophisticated engineering technology, enables them to produce individual parts of the highest quality. Lacks Enterprises has 14 manufacturing facilities, 13 in the Grand Rapids area, and employ 1,850 workers in the Grand Rapids area.

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