"ISO 14000 is a series of international standards governing environmental management systems," according to Dr. Rebecca Spearot, Director of Environmental Management at Lear. "By attaining ISO 14001 certification at the Sidney plant and with certification efforts underway at a number of other Lear facilities, Lear joins automakers dedicated to addressing the immediate and long-term impact on the environment of its facilities and products."

Lear Sidney, a part of Lear's Manufacturing Operations Division (MOD), produces floor carpet, trunk trim, and back panels for plants that assemble the Ford Taurus and Ford Ranger, the Lincoln LS and the Mercury Sable, among others. In order to achieve ISO 14001 certification, a plant must, as a first step, identify the aspects of the operation's activities, products and services that impact the environment and then develop objectives and targets to reduce that impact. The objectives and targets are monitored to demonstrate continual environmental improvement.

Solid waste was identified as a significant environmental aspect of Sidney's operations. Carpet scraps were sent to landfills, which impacted the environment and proved costly. Now the plant is working toward a relationship with a nearby business that would recycle the carpet "offal" instead. It is anticipated that this reduction in landfill usage will result in both a cost savings and reduced impact to the environment.

Mercedes CL

Photo: DaimlerChrysler

"Wheel/tire assembly in Europe is an important and growing business" said Klaus Junger, President of Hayes Lemmerz European Fabricated Wheels. "We are located near the Mercedes plant and supply the sub-assemblies directly to the car assembly line. We have developed an excellent quality reputation in this business in our other facilities in Portugal, Belgium and Germany. This business provides another way for Hayes Lemmerz to provide additional value added services to our customers."