Taylor, Mich. (June 2011) - BrassCraft Manufacturing Company®,
a Masco company, has been awarded Platinum membership from the Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The Lancaster, Texas,
facility was recognized with the "Clean Texas" honor in 2010 with a
Bronze membership.
"The elevation from Bronze to Platinum in one year is a significant
achievement," said Michael Hansen, director of operations at
BrassCraft's Lancaster facility. "The Commission's Platinum-level
standards are far more rigorous. That we can implement our Environmental
Management System so successfully, and deliver real, sustainable
reductions in energy, waste and water usage, is testament to how
critical the environmental initiative is at BrassCraft."
The BrassCraft Environmental Management System is a comprehensive
series of internal policies for improving resource utilization,
optimizing recycling throughout the facility, and maintaining strict
compliance and reporting standards with all environmental regulations.
To achieve Platinum status, a company must commit to at least four
measurable environmental goals that go beyond regulatory requirements,
or in areas that are not regulated. BrassCraft's achievements include:
- Reduced electricity usage. Steps included using more
efficient compressors, the removal of unneeded column fans, retrofitting
with more efficient lighting, and eliminating air leaks for better HVAC
efficiency.
- Reduced water usage. Timers were added to water lines and
plans are in development for waste water reuse, with the potential of
saving millions of gallons of water.
- Hazardous waste reduction. New parts washers that utilize recyclable filters have been installed, reducing hazardous waste to date by 14,586 pounds.
- Non-hazardous waste reduction. The Lancaster facility has
lowered non-hazardous waste by more than 50 percent, with new compactors
and a more comprehensive recycling process.
In addition, Platinum membership recognizes BrassCraft's
environmental efforts outside the company. BrassCraft Lancaster
maintains an open dialogue with the community regarding environmental
concerns and has a continuing process for communicating BrassCraft's
environmental performance. Working with the Lancaster School District's
"Partners in Education" program, BrassCraft presented students and
faculty with information and materials regarding the company's low-lead
compliance initiative. BrassCraft is also a member of the Adopt-a-Spot
program in Lancaster, where a company team cleans and maintains a
mile-long stretch of road every quarter.
"Platinum recognition is the result of each individual's effort at
Lancaster," says Peter Kattula, vice president of operations and supply
chain. "BrassCraft's environmental policy follows two simultaneous
paths: using fewer resources and making meaningful contributions to the
environment. By doing that, our customers, our company and the rest of
the world benefits."
For more information, visit http://www.brasscraft.com.
About Masco Corporation
Masco Corporation is one of the world's largest manufacturers of
brand-name consumer products for the home and family, including Behr®
paint, BrassCraft® water supply products, Delta® and Hansgrohe® faucets,
bath and shower fixtures, KraftMaid®, Merillat® and Quality™ cabinets
and Milgard® windows and doors. Masco is also a leading provider of
services that include the installation of insulation and other building
products through Masco Contractor Services and Masco Home Services. For
more information on the Masco family of brands, visit www.masco.com.
About BrassCraft
BrassCraft Manufacturing Company, a Masco company, is a leading
manufacturer of gas and water supplies for use in the new construction
and repair/remodel markets. The company's motto: "Committed to Quality, Driven by Innovation"
is reflected in the thousands of high-reputation gas and water plumbing
products that are sold under the BrassCraft brand. Founded in 1946,
BrassCraft is headquartered and has manufacturing facilities in the USA.
Contact
Karen Mendelsohn
Vice President - Sales & Marketing
313.792.6708
karen_mendelsohn@mascohq.com
Media Contact
Katie Feltz
MSL Chicago
312.861.5256
katie.feltz@mslgroup.com