The Rochester
Business Journalrecently honored Garlock Sealing Technologies
for environmental leadership. The company, a leader in fluid sealing technology
for more than 100 years, was one of three honorees in the category of
environmental innovation, based on its conversion to a more environmentally
friendly material for gasket production at its Palmyra, NY, facility.
"The Environmental
Leadership Awards were created to honor area companies making great strides to
become environmentally sound and helping make our community a healthier place
to live," said Susan R. Holliday, president and publisher ofTheRochester
Business Journal. "Garlock was selected this year because
of its demonstrated commitment to having a positive impact on environmental
issues."
Garlock invested more than
$3 million to replace a volatile organic compound (VOC) with a more
environmentally friendly material in its production of gasket material,
eliminating annual air emissions of 120 tons in the process. Use of the new
material also resulted in improved process yields, products that seal 20%
better and a healthier work environment.
"We're truly honored to
receive this distinguished award," said Garlock President Paul Baldetti.
"However, it represents just one aspect, albeit an important one, of our
continuing commitment to provide products that are
environmentally safe in and
of themselves, and that offer our customers cost-effective compliance
solutions. We believe the extensive environmental and conservation measures
we've taken in our current modernization project
underscore that
commitment."
When Garlock embarked on its five-year, $30 million plant
modernization project in 2005, the company was operating in an antiquated,
inefficient manufacturing complex constructed between 1907 and 1956. Now at its
mid-point, the project involves construction of two new production plants. The
first phase, a plant that manufactures dynamic seals, was completed in 2006. A
second plant for production of PTFE-based gaskets is scheduled to open this
summer.
For more information, visitwww.garlock.com.