|
Morton International Inc.
Morton International's Reading, Berks County, facility employs 121 people to manufacture plastic coating powders via a process of mixing, compounding and grinding. Powders vary in composition from polyesters or urethane epoxies to nylons and polyurethanes. Powder coatings are electrostatically applied to fabricated metal and high-temperature resistant plastics. The coatings are baked to form a tough, durable finish that is abrasion and chip resistant. Because these coatings do not release solvents into the atmosphere, they are environmentally friendly. Waste was eliminated by collection and reuse of over-spray and non-bonded powder. In 1986, the Reading plant (currently ISO 9002 certified) installed a recovery system to reduce company use of water and also wastewater releases to the City of Reading's treatment plant. Process equipment was modified to use re-circulated, chilled water. As a result, water usage steadily declined from 15.1 million gallons to 1.4 million gallons in 1997. Production increased by 33 percent resulting in an annual savings of $100,067 for water and $8,000 in energy costs. Because the chilled water kept product from adhering to stainless steel belts and chill rolls, clean-up time was reduced. The Reading plant replicated its success in helping to install a similar system at its sister plant in Wytheville, Va. Morton International was the first company in Berks County -and only one of 300 companies nationwide-to receive the "STAR VPP - OSHA AWARD" for exemplary work in the facility's safety program. This award underlines Morton's commitment to going beyond compliance. The key to the company's success is employees involvement. Morton's Health, Safety and Environmental committees meet monthly to discuss and implement employee ideas on operational improvements. Exceptional ideas receive recognition through various awards programs, i.e., Customer Service Award, REWARDS Program and Corporate/TQM recognition awards.
|
Morton International Inc.
|
