Original Date: 10/04/1993
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

The Hamilton Standard Electronic Manufacturing Center (HSEMC) has developed an environmental program that helps it to remain competitive in an increasing environmentally conscious marketplace. This program is designed to keep HSEMC ahead of quickly changing regulations and to promote the proper use and reduction of hazardous materials for the benefit of the community.

The Farmington facility has its own environmental department (that is supported by a central department at the Windsor Locks facility) to address the environmental needs of the site. The department, consisting of four associates, is responsible for reviewing and approving environmental plans, policies, and programs for the facility, and it must approve the necessary human and financial resources to administer these programs. The department provides direction to the environmental teams and creates and sustains interest and communication in environmental awareness throughout the building. The department must also check the progress and ensure the appropriate procedures and activities are in place to achieve and maintain compliance with current environmental regulations.

The department associates also provide guidance to the Environmental, Health, and Safety (EH&S) Team which consists of up to twelve members who are representative of the facility's population. There are also sub-teams that handle special tasks within the facility. These teams help to make associates conscious of environmental concerns.

The environmental department has established certain goals that extend beyond the necessary levels to achieve environmental compliance. For example, it is taking steps to reduce and prevent pollution including elimination, substitution, or optimization of hazardous materials. It is also a voluntary member of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) program to reduce 17 hazardous chemicals by 33% from 1988 levels by 1992 and by 50% by 1995. The department is attempting to eliminate all ozone-depleting substances from the facility but has been hindered by old specifications which require the use of Freon. Freon usage has dropped from 116,000 pounds in 1990 to 50,900 in 1992 at HSEMC, and remained low in 1993, particularly after the installation of an alcohol-based, semi-aqueous cleaner.

HSEMC’s team approach has made environmental compliance every associate's responsibility. Associates are able to suggest design changes that eliminate or reduce hazardous materials, and the designers are able to use manufacturing inputs early in the design process.

Hamilton Standard has carefully considered the increasing need for environmentally conscious manufacturing. It has developed a program that reaches from upper management to every associate. This program considers the future and what is best for the company and the community.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.