Bil-Jax's Internal Committee Focuses on Green Initiatives
June 18, 2008 • Bil-Jax Inc., Archbold, Ohio, announces it has formed the Go Green Committee, which will investigate and implement a variety of initiatives designed to reduce the environmental impact of the company's manufacturing practices and day-to-day operations.
Members of Bil-Jax's Go Green Committee have been recruited from all departments and shifts. The committee will be responsible for developing comprehensive initiatives for conservation. “An action as simple as leaving the lights on when an employee leaves a room has a tangible environmental impact,” said Jeff Ott, president and CEO of Bil-Jax. “Another goal of the Go Green Committee is to educate our employees and our community about making responsible, environmentally conscious decisions.”
The impetus behind the committee's creation was relatively simple. “The cost of energy and raw materials in this country has never been greater,” Eric Palicki, spokesperson for Bil-Jax's Go Green committee, exclusively told Lift and Access. “At the same time, the switch to more environmentally friendly manufacturing processes has never been easier. It's now possible for green manufacturing practices to be cost neutral, or even profitable.”
Aside from financial considerations, Palicki said the negative impact traditional manufacturing has on the environment is proven and documented. “Simply stated, this is the right thing to do, and it's the right time to do it,” he said.
While Palicki said the company has had a recycling program in place for several years, Bil-Jax has partnered with Defiance, Ohio-based Werlor Recycling to expand its recycling program. According to Ott, recycled materials will be carefully measured.
“In addition to expanding our recycling program, immediate steps include placing shut-off timers on equipment requiring large amounts of electricity,” Palicki said, adding that Bil-Jax recently replaced all lighting in its factory with energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs.”We're also organizing an employee carpool program and a community recycling drive. Ultimately, our impact on the environment will factor into every aspect of our daily operations, from manufacturing to waste disposal to the way in which our products and raw materials are shipped and received.”
With regard to its aerial work platforms, Palicki said Bil-Jax's Go Green Committee is presently investigating a variety of options with an eye toward a comprehensive overhaul in the near future.
“By adopting ‘green' policies and encouraging our employees and customers to do the same, we hope to become a model company not only throughout our industry but also throughout the United States and the world,” Ott said.
Interested parties can follow the progress of the Bil-Jax's Go Green Committee by visiting www.biljaxgogreen.com or www.biljax.com/gogreen.
