For Immediate Release
Burns Harbor, Ind., November 15, 2001 - Bethlehem Steel Corporation announced today that its Burns Harbor Division's environmental management system has achieved ISO 14001 registration. The Burns Harbor Division is the largest domestic integrated steelmaking facility to receive this recognition.
To comply with the requirements of its major automotive customers, the Division undertook an eighteen-month process to ensure that its environmental management system would meet the stringent requirements based on the ISO 14001 international standard. ISO 14001 requires an environmental management system that manages significant aspects through continual improvement in overall environmental performance.
A cross-functional team, comprised of representatives from operating and service departments, was formed to work through the ISO requirements and prepare the Division for two comprehensive, independent third party, audits performed by SRI Quality System Registrar, Inc. The Division engaged a consultant, URS Corporation, to advise and assist the team.
"All the employees of the Division should be proud of this achievement and are to be commended for their efforts. The employees have again demonstrated a commitment to meet and exceed the requirements of our automotive customers," said Ronald F. Chango, president, Burns Harbor Division.
Robert S. Miller, Jr., Bethlehem Steel's chairman and chief executive officer stated, "This certification verifies that the Burns Harbor Division's environmental management system supports Bethlehem Steel's Environmental Policy of compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, while striving to continuously improve our environmental performance."
Bethlehem is also the only domestic steelmaker to have endorsed the CERES Principles, a code of business conduct for responsible environmental stewardship.
The Burns Harbor Division also received ISO 9002 Quality System registration in 1994 and QS-9000 certification in 1995, which are part of the auto industry's requirements for its suppliers of critical products.
The ISO 14001 certification process also has begun at the Burns Harbor Division's Lackawanna, N.Y., Galvanized Products Division.
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For More Information Contact:
Robert W. Bilheimer - (610) 694-3711
Bethlehem Steel Corporation
Public Affairs Department
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