Merillat and Quality Cabinets plants earn environmental stewardship certification

    January 29, 2007 - Merillat and Quality Cabinets, both companies of the Masco Builder Cabinet Group, were awarded a certificate in the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA)'s Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP). The ESP was created to help manufacturers promote sustainability in the areas of air quality, resource management, environmental stewardship and community relations.

    Merillat and Quality Cabinets have long been leaders in environmental stewardship, as illustrated by the company's ISO 14001 certification. "Environmental issues are important to our customers and shareholders, as well as the communities surrounding our plants," said Steve Byron, managing director of engineering, environmental and safety. "This certification demonstrates our mindset of doing what is right for the environment, which also happens to be right for business."

    All of the Merillat manufacturing facilities in Las Vegas, Nev., Rapid City, S. D., Adrian, Mich., Jackson, Ohio, Mt. Jackson, Va., Atkins, Va., Culpeper, Va., Ocala, Fla., as well as all of the Quality Cabinets manufacturing facilities in Duncanville and Cedar Hill, Texas, and Mt. Sterling, Ky., qualified for the ESP certification.

    Because Merillat and Quality Cabinets were already certified under the ISO 14001 environmental management standards, qualifying for the ESP certification was a natural next step. Many of the measures required for ESP were already in place. Measures implemented include reducing emissions, limiting use of solvents, recycling and energy conservation awareness. "Reducing our environmental impact is as complex as recycling sawdust and as simple as turning the lights off in empty rooms," said Byron.

    In addition to the energy-saving and waste-reduction measures, KCMA ESP promotes community relations efforts. Through this program, Merillat and Quality Cabinets communicates to its lumber suppliers about the need for sustainable forestry practices.

    According to Byron, being responsible environmental stewards makes sense from a business standpoint. "By reducing waste and effectively using our natural resources, we are able to reduce operating costs," he said. "And, it's the right thing to do for the future of our natural world."

    About Merillat:
    Based in Adrian, Mich., Merillat Industries, LLC, has been providing quality cabinetry since 1946. With nine manufacturing plants located throughout the United States, Merillat has grown to become one of the nation's largest cabinet manufacturers and the number one builder preferred cabinet. Merillat offers the best selection of stylish, quality products at a variety of price levels. Merillat is leading the industry in consumer research to better understand what new home shoppers are looking for when purchasing a home. Merillat is proud to be a Platinum Sponsor of the National Association of Home Builders, Women's Council, member of the Color Marketing Institute and National Kitchen and Bath Association.

    About Quality Cabinets:
    Quality Cabinets is one of America's most respected cabinetry brands. It is favored by builders, cabinetry dealers and distributors for providing affordable, high-quality products and providing unmatched customer service.

    Media Contacts:
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    Marlaina Quintana/Hofffman York
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    Robyn Grossman
    Hoffman York
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