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Standard Products Initiates Naturalization Project in Stratford

28 May 1999

Standard Products Initiates Naturalization Project in Conjunction with Local Conservation Groups in Stratford

    STRATFORD, Ontario, May 27 -- Standard Products (Canada)
Limited will launch a naturalization project today at the company's plant at
703 Douro Street in Stratford, together with The Upper Thames River
Conservation Authority (UTRCA) and the Civic Beautification and Environmental
Awareness Committee of Stratford.  The company will dedicate a 4.4-acre field
adjacent to the plant to be transformed into a diverse naturalized area. The
company and the two organizations hope to create a model site for corporate
naturalization in Stratford.
    The concept plan for the site will be unveiled at ceremonies beginning at
10:00 a.m. on May 27.  Included in the plan are three butterfly meadows,
savannah areas, wildlife shrub areas, a constructed wetland to improve water
quality from stormwater drains, and a mix of native hardwood trees.  Bird and
butterfly boxes will be constructed to provide more shelter for wildlife. The
nature area will be traversed by a pathway with benches for resting and
enjoying nature.
    "The partnership between the UTRCA, Standard Products, and the Civic
Beautification and Environmental Awareness Committee will create habitat for
wildlife, provide natural areas for people to enjoy, and improve the
environment for everyone," said Brad Glasman, conservation services
coordinator for the UTRCA.  "This is the most comprehensive naturalization
project that a corporation has initiated within the Upper Thames watershed."
    Participating in the launch ceremonies will be representatives from Earth
Day Canada, St. Bruno, Quebec, and DaimlerChrysler, a major customer of the
plant, as well as students from Stratford, Connecticut.  Activities taking
place as part of the ceremonies will include establishing a butterfly meadow,
building bird and butterfly boxes, and planting trees.
    Standard Products (Canada) Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of The
Standard Products Company, a $1.1-billion New York Stock Exchange company
based in Dearborn, Michigan.  Standard Products produces highly
engineered polymer-based products and systems on a global basis for the
automotive, appliance and construction industries. Standard Products'
Stratford plant produces rubber body seals and trim for North American
automotive manufacturers. More information may be found on the Internet at
http://www.standardproducts.com.