The Association of Washington Business (AWB), which serves as the state’s Chamber of Commerce and the Manufacturing and Technology Association, has announced its selections for manufacturing excellence for 2014, and Manhasset Specialty Company was bestowed with the Green Manufacturing Award. Judges evaluated firms maximizing energy-efficiency levels, going above and beyond regulatory requirements, minimizing waste from the production process and reducing their carbon footprint.
In the AWB’s press release, it stated, “In 2002, Manhasset replaced its painting process with environmentally friendly powder coating. The process of cleaning and preparing metal music stands for powder coating did, however, create materials that needed to be disposed of. So, Manhasset didn’t stop working. This year, Manhasset became the first company in the Northwest—and one of only 30 so far in the nation—to adopt a new surface-treatment process that is completely waste-free. To prepare for installation of the Plaforization system, Manhasset shut down production for more than a month. They began preparing last fall, building up an inventory of their high-end music stands to meet customer demand. In February and March, they removed old equipment and set up the Plaforization line. It was the biggest upgrade of their manufacturing line in decades. The new process generates zero waste, and it’s more efficient.”
Barry Heid, General Manager of Manhasset Specialty Company, added, “All of the employee-owners at Manhasset have worked very hard to make the company’s manufacturing processes better for the environment. Being 100-percent green is important to all of us!”