Allentown, PA (June 5, 2008) - Stanley Vidmar, a manufacturer of premium custom storage solutions for use in a wide range of industries, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded ISO 14001:2004 certification by DNV (Det Norske Veritas) Certification.
As outlined by ISO (International Organization for Standardization), ISO 14001:2004 certification is awarded to organizations that demonstrate conformity to ISO 14001:2004 standards by establishing, implementing, and maintaining ongoing environmental management systems that address both environmental aspects that these organizations can control and aspects that they can effectively influence.
A process that began over three years ago, Stanley Vidmar's procurement of ISO 14001:2004 certification began with an internal analysis of each of the environmental aspects relating to its production materials, manufacturing processes, and working environment and their impact on the company's internal environment as well as the areas surrounding Stanley Vidmar's production facility.
"As we began our certification process, we started by taking a close look at each of our manufacturing processes and determining what impact they had on our region as far as air emissions, water discharges, and waste were concerned. We also analyzed what danger these items posed in the case of a spill or leak," said Lou Heller, Stanley Vidmar's Environmental, Health, and Safety Coordinator. "We then generated operating instructions to make sure that all high-risk aspects and impacts were addressed with regular inspections."
Heller continued, "As part of the certification process, we were required to have at least two environmental projects in process at all times. Examples included the installation of energy-efficient lighting and heating units, which cuts down on electricity usage, and the usage of natural gas."
In particular, Stanley Vidmar initiated the following operational changes as part of its DNV accreditation effort:
In preparation for accreditation, all cabinet painting was switched to a powder system, eliminating the use of high-solid paints. This switch reduced more than forty tons of VOC (volatile organic compounds) emission to zero.
Lighting within the Stanley Vidmar facility continues to be replaced with low-energy lighting, reducing emissions.
Gas heaters within the Stanley Vidmar facility will continue to be replaced and updated with more energy-efficient models in an effort to reduce NOX gas emissions. Since 2003, Vidmar has reduced its NOX emissions by 46%.
Stanley Vidmar abides by a strict ongoing waste management program and recycles all skids, cardboards, and paper products.
Stanley Vidmar worked with the Pennsylvania Environmental Department to secure a permit verifying that Vidmar maintains clean parking lots and grounds and that no waste is permitted to leak into the Little Lehigh Parkway (a high-quality watershed located next to the Vidmar facility).
A new roof was installed on the Stanley Vidmar facility that features 1-1/2 inches of insulated material, a move which will save 1000 MCF of gas per year.
Beyond the actions listed above and Stanley Vidmar's strict adherence to a long list of environmental guidelines, a big part of the company's ISO 14001:2004 certification effort was the establishment of an internal culture that reflected the company's ongoing commitment to environmentally sound work practices. As part of this cultural shift, Vidmar established a "Green Card" program that involved each employee receiving a wallet-sized card that reminded them of Vidmar's ISO 14001:2004 effort and the ways in which they could contribute to Vidmar's environmental mission.
"The 'Green Cards' were a great way for our ISO 14001:2004 certification effort to personally touch each of our employees and give them a daily reminder of what each of them could do, on an individual basis, to contribute to that effort," said Jim Cannon, Stanley Vidmar's President and General Manager. "The Stanley Vidmar 'Green Card' reminds all of us to take advantage of every opportunity to reduce waste, reuse materials, and recycle, the cornerstone of our ISO 14001:2004 commitment. It also reminds us that this truly is a group effort, and one that we will continue to improve on as we look toward the future."
About Stanley Vidmar
Stanley Vidmar offers storage solutions to all industries, with modular space-saving systems that provide quick, safe access to parts, tools, and supplies. A Stanley® Vidmar® system can maximize valuable floor space while providing an integrated solution for inventory control. Customers can arrange for a free analysis of their storage needs by calling 800-523-9462. Detailed information about Stanley® Vidmar® products is available online at www.stanleyvidmar.com.About DNV Certification
A leading international certification body, DNV (Det Norske Veritas) Certification is an independent foundation specializing in the provision of services designed to safeguard life, property, and the environment. DNV's professional auditor network spans more than 100 countries. More information is available at www.dnvcert.com.
