PPG Industries' (NYSE:PPG) commercial coatings group has partnered with the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) to establish an annual award recognizing the best innovation or novel solution by a manufacturer in the light- and medium-duty trailer industry that positively affects the environment. The award will be known as the Green Manufacturing Award. PPG is a founding sponsor of the award and is providing initial financial support, an expression of the company's commitment to protecting and improving the environment.
The award launch was announced during the NATM's 2010 annual Convention and Trade Show in Reno, Nev., March 2-6. The first Green Manufacturing Award will be presented at the NATM's 2011 convention for green improvements made during the 2010 calendar year.
"We've long been a supporter of the NATM and their activities," said Ron Yarnell, PPG OEM sales manager and NATM board member. "Establishing the Green Manufacturing Award was a natural outgrowth of our relationship and our mutual concern for the environment. We believe this award will acknowledge the many initiatives NATM members are already undertaking while honoring the best ones."
Criteria for the award include being an NATM Regular Member in good standing that provides verifiable documentation of a green initiative or improvement at a manufacturing plant. Companies competing for the award will be judged on case studies in which they have demonstrated improved environmentally-conscious performance in manufacturing. This may include maximizing energy efficiency levels, compliance with environmental regulations, minimizing waste from the production process along with other manufacturing aspects. Manufacturers should be able to illustrate success in reducing their carbon footprint, as well as converting green manufacturing into a business opportunity.
The NATM represents manufacturers that produce light- and medium-duty trailers. Members also include suppliers to the industry. Organized to promote, both to the trailer industry and to the public, universal recognition of safety and quality in trailer manufacturing, the NATM works to improve the trailer industry through the promotion of compliance with its Guidelines and other initiatives. The association has more than 800 member companies across the United States, Canada, Mexico and other countries.