Nicholas Earns C3 Award

ALLENDALE — Nicholas Plastics has joined an exclusive group as the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality recently named the company’s Allendale plant a Clean Corporate Citizen.

“I congratulate the entire Nicholas Plastics team for operating under a strong set of environmental principles and systems,” said DEQ Director Steven Chester.

“Their pollution-prevention programs demonstrate the company’s commitment to a responsible corporate citizenship.”

Chester said the programs enacted by Nicholas Plastics has reduced scrap by 30 percent, lowered the company’s use of electricity, and recycled four types of metal along with oils, paper, cardboard and batteries. The firm also requires its vendors to adhere to its policies.

“Throughout our nearly three decades of operation, we have made a strong commitment to managing our business through environmentally sound programs and practices,” said Terry Nicholas, president and CEO of Nicholas Plastics.

“As we continue to grow,” he added, “we will look for ways to protect and enhance the environment.”

Nicholas Plastics has been operating in Allendale since 1993. The company produces extruded and molded plastic components and assemblies for autos, appliances and office furniture.

Nicholas Plastics is the 111th company in the state to have earned the honor, meaning the firm has adopted a facility-specific environmental management system with active pollution-prevention initiatives. It also means Nicholas Plastics has a consistent record of compliance with environmental requirements at its Allendale facility.

The Herman Miller Greenhouse manufacturing plant also was named a Clean Corporate Citizen in late March, the 110th to be given that award since the C3 program began in 1997.

“We have a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship that encompasses our people, products, and places of work, and we appreciate the Department of Environmental Quality’s acknowledgment for our efforts,” said Paul Murray, environmental affairs manager for Herman Miller.

Last November, the DEQ recognized 14 facilities across the state for their continued participation in the annual and voluntary C3 program. Two were from West Michigan: the Baker Furniture plant in Holland and the Knoll Inc. manufacturing facility in Grand Rapids.