Clow Water to Host VPP Forum
March 5, 2013
Media Statement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: (205) 871-9774
Coshocton, Ohio, March 5, 2013 – Clow Water Systems is hosting McWane, Inc.’s Second Annual Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) Forum on Health & Safety Best Practices on March 6-7, 2013. More than 75 team members from 15 McWane facilities across the country will be attending the event, which will provide opportunities for management and hourly team members to share knowledge, solutions and best practices relating to safety and health issues.
The U. S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) VPP program recognizes the nation’s top performers in workplace safety. Less than one percent of all employers achieve VPP status, but Clow Water is one of seven McWane locations that have done so. To receive consideration for VPP membership, a facility must demonstrate excellent management commitment, substantial involvement by employees, exemplary health and safety programs, and injury rates below the national average. Clow Water was certified by OSHA in 2010 as a VPP Star site.
“We’re proud of the commitment our employees make every day to work safely and improve our performance,” said Tom Crawford, Clow Vice President General Manager. “Hosting the VPP forum will give us an opportunity to brainstorm, network and share our experiences on our VPP journey with team members from other members of the McWane community.”
About Clow Water Systems:
Clow Water Systems is a division of McWane, Inc. and one of the nation’s premiere manufacturers of ductile iron pipe and fittings. Clow Water was founded in 1878 and has a history of hard work, commitment, and performance. Our 391 team members work tirelessly to create the highest quality products for our customers and our communities. Clow Water is also committed to sustainable operations that protect the environment. Our iron products are made from 100% recycled iron and steel scrap, and each year our foundry recycles almost 140,000 tons of scrap iron. In addition, our products are designed to last as long as 100 years, and they are also recyclable once retired from service. We have also incorporated advanced environmentally beneficial practices into our manufacturing process, such as the capture, treatment, and recycling of rainwater and process water streams, which minimize the use of potable water and reduces discharges to the environment. Spent foundry sand is beneficially reused in construction and other applications. We’ve also invested in technology upgrades, such as the RingJet scrubber to reduce our foundry’s emissions far below regulatory requirements. In fact, since 2002, we have decreased our emissions by an average of 23 percent every year. That’s good for the environment and good for business. For more information, please visit www.clowwater.com.
About McWane Inc.
McWane, Inc. is a family-owned business based in Birmingham, Ala., with companies across the U.S. and around the world. The McWane Family of Companies casts ductile iron products, including pipe, valves, hydrants, fittings and plumbing products; manufactures fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems and steel pressure vessels; and builds network switches and monitoring equipment. McWane is a leader in delivering clean, safe drinking water around the world while focusing on safe, environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. With more than 6,500 team members, McWane has a longstanding commitment of supporting the communities where its team members live and work. For more information, visit mcwane.com.
