January 7, 2009--Corning Cable Systems' Hickory, NC cable facility has become the first business in Catawba County to be named an Environmental Steward by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NC DENR). This award recognizes the facility's superior environmental performance, commitment to continued reduction of its environmental impact and demonstrated commitment to exceed compliance.
This is the second time a Corning facility has received this award; the Wilmington, NC Optical Fiber Manufacturing Facility achieved Steward status in 2005.
"We are honored to be recognized as a 2008 Environmental Steward," says Clark Kinlin, president and CEO of Corning Cable Systems. "Recognition for this award goes to our employees for their commitment to protecting our environment. Corning Incorporated constantly strives to be a global leader in environmental performance, and this award is an example of that dedication."
A 12-member advisory board cited several reasons for the honor:
*Integrating environmental management into core business operations through processes for internal communication of environmental issues, and driving environmental awareness through efficiency improvement and awards programs;
* Operating well below permitted limits and implementing management techniques beyond those required by regulation;
* From 2006 to 2008, reducing energy usage normalized to production by 22%; between 2006 and 2007, increasing plastic material recycling by 17%; and
* From 2004 to 2007, decreasing water consumption at the facility by approximately 59% when normalized to production.
"It's obvious that Corning is a company striving to be a leader in the development of management systems for efficient and environmentally friendly manufacturing," says DENR Secretary William G. Ross Jr. "The company serves as an example that industry can be both successful in commerce and a steward of the environment in which it operates."
This is the second time in less than a year that the Hickory plant has been recognized by the state. In March 2008, the facility earned the Carolina Star certification from the North Carolina Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health division for safety excellence. In April 2008, the facility also became the first partner in Catawba County's Recycling and Waste Reduction Partnership Program.
Corning Cable Systems has adopted a green strategy to eliminate the use of hazardous substances in its products and manufacturing, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and to recycle. The company is TL 9000 and ISO 9001 certified. The Hickory Cable Facility is also ISO 14001 certified to environmental standards.
On the Web: www.corningcablesystems.com