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Ford Buffalo Stamping Plant Gets First ISO 14001

23 July 1998

Buffalo is Number One - First Stamping Plant in North America to Achieve ISO 14001 Certification

    BUFFALO, N.Y., July 22 -- The Ford Buffalo Stamping Plant is
now recognized as the first automotive stamping plant in North America to
achieve ISO 14001 -- the international environmental standard.  A plaque and
flag signifying ISO 14001 certification are on display at the plant.
    "In order to get this level of achievement, it required the dedication and
involvement of every person at this plant," said Jerry Burns, plant manager,
Buffalo Stamping Plant.  "We at Ford long ago found out that when you get
employees involved, it really pays off.  It is important for the plant to earn
environmental certfication.  It demonstrates to everyone that we have sound
environmental practices."
    An environmental management system that is based on the ISO 14001 standard
requires an organization to monitor and continually improve its performance.
The standard encompasses all of the environmental aspects of a manufacturing
site, including energy use, water treatment, waste disposal, noise and air
quality.
    "All of the people at Buffalo strive to produce the highest quality
components for our customers in a responsible manner that provides protection
for the environment," said Hayes.  "Receiving ISO 14001 certification
culminates our dedicated effort and our ongoing commitment to protect the
environment."
    A team of ISO 14001 independent auditors scoured the plant, interviewed
employees and reviewed the plant's environmental procedures and practices.
All employee's were instructed on the plants environmental policy, and many
employees took part of setting objectives to continually improve in those
areas.
    Forty-two Ford facilities worldwide have earned ISO 14001 certification.
The company is seeking full certification for its manufacturing facilities
around the world as a means of continually improving its environmental
performance.  Ford plans to have all of its facilities certified by the end of
the year.