Changes to the ISO 14001 Environmental Standard Compels Changes and the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) Will Help

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Dec. 7 -- On Nov. 15, 2004th, 2004, The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published revised versions of its ISO 14001 and ISO 14004 Environmental Management Standards. In a press release dated Nov. 15th, ISO Secretary-General Alan Bryden stated the upgrade helps reflect, "The considerable body of user experience since the standards were first published in 1996," and is designed to "help organizations address all three dimensions of sustainable development -- social, economic and environmental."

Many of the revisions reflect a closer compatibility with the ISO 9001:2000 standard used worldwide. Companies currently compliant with ISO 14001:1996 will be given an 18-month window to upgrade to the new 2004 revision. Automakers have mandated the ISO 14001 standard, with Renault being the last to require certification-registration by 2004.

The MMTC has helped hundreds of Michigan businesses become certified to ISO 9001, QS-9000, the TE supplement, ISO/TS 16949, and ISO 14001. A newly designed half-day training session is available to help transition your company to the new ISO 14001:2004 requirements. Understanding the standards can be difficult. Let our RAB certified instructors take the guesswork out of your planning.

"The benefit of MMTC for us was having the expert help and structure of the user group program. It shortened the time frame from implementation to certification considerably." ~ Doug Mohr, Machining Center

"The knowledge and skill of the MMTC providers helped our company transition to the ISO quality system and make great strides in employee development." ~ Mike Gleason, AHB Tooling & Machinery

Get the straight facts in an easy, cost-effective seminar. Additional information on upgrading your internal auditors is also available for 2005. Secure your reservation, contact MMTC by phone at 1-888-414-6682 or visit their website at http://www.mmtc.org/ .

Headquartered in Plymouth, the MMTC also has five affiliate offices around the state (in Grand Rapids, Flint, Saginaw, Traverse City and Marquette) to serve Michigan's 15,340 smaller manufacturers.