---

LucasVarity Automotive Receives State Safety and Health Recognition

9 April 1999

LucasVarity Automotive Receives State Safety and Health Recognition

    LANSING, Mich., April 8 -- LucasVarity Automotive has become
the first company in the state to receive a Michigan Voluntary Protection
Programs (MVPP) Merit Program plaque for its excellent safety and health
record.  The plaque was given to the Fenton automotive business by the
Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services (CIS) Thursday,
April 8, 1999.
    "The MVPP Merit Program recognizes employers who are actively working
toward achieving excellence in their safety and health program," said CIS
Director Kathy Wilbur.  "It was developed in 1996 to recognize private and
public sector work sites that are developing and implementing outstanding
safety and health programs beyond the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (MIOSHA) standards."
    The two components to the MVPP Program include:

    *  The Star Program, which recognizes work sites that have achieved
excellence in developing and implementing a comprehensive safety and health
program.  With stringent requirements, this is the highest safety and health
recognition in the MVPP.
    *  The Merit Program, which is aimed at establishments endeavoring to
achieve success and excellence as typified by requirements of the Star
Program.

    The MVPP Program enhances MIOSHA's tradition of working cooperatively and
voluntarily with industry to reduce and eliminate workplace injuries and
illnesses, said Doug Earle, Director of the CIS Bureau of Safety and
Regulation (BSR).
    "It honors companies that use employee involvement as the key to creating
a workplace environment that fosters worker protection, which is what
LucasVarity did."
    The LucasVarity Plant produces rear-wheel and four-wheel antilock braking
(ABS) systems for 28 automotive manufacturers worldwide, and employs 425
people.
    BSR Deputy Director Deborah Grether presented the Merit Program plaque to
Plant Manager Ron Pratt; Human Resources Manager Laurie Black; and Health,
Safety and Environmental Specialist Mark Kline, who accepted the plaque on
behalf of all members of the Fenton plant employees.
    Being the first organization to be included in the MVPP Program is a
significant accomplishment for the Fenton Plant, said Jeff Powers, Senior
Manager for LucasVarity Automotive.
    "It was possible because every employee is empowered and has taken an
active role in the health and safety process at the facility.  We plan on
working towards MVPP participation for all our Michigan facilities.
    To receive an application or more information about an MVPP Program, call
the BSR/SET Division at 517-322-1809.