DENSO earns Clean Corporate Citizen
Date: 1999-01-20

DENSO Manufacturing Michigan, Inc. (DMMI) has been designated as a Michigan Clean Corporate Citizen in a program recognizing environmental stewardship, Governor John Engler announced today.

The Battle Creek plant becomes the tenth facility to receive the honor. Engler proposed the voluntary Clean Corporate Citizen program in his 1996 State of the State address.

“DENSO has gone well beyond mere compliance by integrating responsible environmental management and pollution prevention into all aspects of their operation,” Engler said. “Clearly, a comprehensive environmental protection program benefits the community and makes good business sense. I congratulate the DMMI team for its continuing commitment to environmental excellence.”

“DENSO Manufacturing Michigan, Inc. is proud to earn this designation for our proactive approach to environmental management,” says Jim Tsuboi, DMMI president. “We feel it’s our responsibility to continuously improve our systems and surpass mere environmental compliance. As a community leader, we must provide a strong example and earning the Clean Corporate Citizen status demonstrates our commitment to the environment, Battle Creek and its future.”

DMMI manufactures automotive heating and cooling systems at their 85 acre facility in Battle Creek and employs approximately 1,800 associates.

DMMI has earned International Standards Organization 14001 certification, meeting the voluntary international standard for environmental management systems. Its commitment to pollution prevention includes voluntary conversion of manufacturing painting and degreasing systems to reduce air emissions and waste disposal.

To qualify as a Clean Corporate Citizen, candidates must adopt a strong environmental management system, a facility-specific pollution prevention program, and have a consistent record of compliance with applicable environmental requirements.

Clean Corporate Citizens are eligible for certain benefits under the state air quality permitting program, including additional operational flexibility. Additional benefits are being developed by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in the surface water and groundwater permitting programs. Designations are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

The facility also has voluntarily joined the Department of Environmental Quality as a partner in the Michigan Business Pollution Prevention Partnership, according to DEQ Director Russell Harding.

“Clean Corporate Citizens can be relied upon to successfully carry out their environmental protection responsibilities voluntarily and without rigorous oversight,” Harding said. “We consider them valuable partners in our efforts to protect Michigan’s environment and applaud their leadership in setting an example for excellence in environmental performance.”

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