International Truck and Engine Corp.'s Melrose Park engine plant, a subsidiary of Navistar International Corp., has received the prestigious Illinois Governors Pollution Prevention Award for the 13th time. The award recognizes the plant's efforts to develop a new water-based spray coating that significantly reduces hazardous emissions and also saves the company thousands of dollars.
The project decreased the use of paint by 82%, reduced air emissions from the paint process operation by 83% and reduced paint sludge waste by 13%. In addition, by using less solvent-based cleaners, the plant has cut air emissions by two tons, or 56% from previous years.
Each year, the governor of Illinois and the states Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) honor Illinois companies and organizations for their significant achievements in protecting the environment and boosting the economy. Recently, the award was presented to International and 21 other companies."These organizations are leading the way in finding and using new ways to reduce waste and protect the environment. They have made an ongoing commitment to prevent pollution that, in the long run, will make their employees and our communities healthier," said Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
