INTERMET Wins Environmental Award for Conserving Chemicals, Water and Energy

TROY, Mich., April 9 -- INTERMET Corporation , one of the world's leading manufacturers of cast-metal automotive components, today announced that its Monroe City (zinc) Plant has received a Return on Environment(R) (ROE) Partnership Award from General Electric Company's Betz business unit for a chemical management program that reduced its use of chemicals, water and energy.

The ROE Award is presented worldwide to a select group of industrial, commercial and institutional establishments that demonstrated significant environmental, health and safety benefits while at the same time reducing operating costs. Companies are honored for such achievements as eliminating hazardous chemicals, minimizing waste and emissions, conserving natural resources and improving working conditions.

The Monroe City Plant reduced zinc levels and lime deposits from its waste stream resulting in immediate environmental benefits and cost reductions totaling $30,000. Zinc levels were reduced by 60 percent and lime usage was reduced by 38 percent, eliminating five tons of solid waste per year.

Other savings have been realized by streamlining procurement procedures, improving inventory management, reducing environmental liability and improving process performance. The program also has helped the zinc plant get a quicker start in the implementation process for its ISO 14001 Environmental Management System.

Commenting on the award, Jesus Bonilla, INTERMET's Vice President of the Light Metals Group, said: "INTERMET is committed to the protection of the environment, and to the health and safety of its employees, customers and neighbors. The GE Betz award is further proof that we can accomplish this while at the same time improving our competitive position in the marketplace."

With headquarters in Troy, Michigan, INTERMET Corporation is a manufacturer of powertrain, chassis/suspension and structural components for the automotive industry. INTERMET's strategy is to be the world's leading supplier of cast-metal automotive components. The company has approximately 6,000 employees at facilities located in North America and Europe. More information is available on the Internet at www.intermet.com .