Coates achieves ISO 14001 certification in the UK and Germany
Europe
Coates achieves ISO 14001 certification in the UK and Germany
Keywords Coates, Environment, Standards
Coates Electrographics and Coates Screen facilities, of Midsomer Norton, near Bath, England, and Coates Screen GmbH, the screen ink manufacturing facility in Nuremberg, Germany, have all achieved accreditation to the ISO 14001 International Standard for Environmental Management Systems in October 1998. This manifestly confirms that Coates take their responsibilities to the environment very seriously; commitment comes from the highest levels and is evidenced by the company's environmental policy.
Plate 3 The Coates ISO 14001 management team (L-R) Peter Walshe, business development; Peter Griffin, manufacturing; David Starkey, quality; David Fearns, quality assurance; Tony Burston, manufacturing director; and Nigel Caiger, development
In the UK, and under the direction of manufacturing director Tony Burston, a dedicated team of personnel set out in 1997 to write the systems and pursue the operational procedures which would ensure that Coates Electrographics and Coates Screen met with the demanding requirements set down in the international standard (Plate 3).
Their first task was to assess all operations on the Midsomer Norton manufacturing site that could have an interaction with the environment, then to rank them in order of significance. From this a programme of environmental initiatives was drawn up, and a system of continual improvement was implemented, in accordance with the environmental policy. At the same time a series of seminars was undertaken to inform, and train, all members of staff in the implications and importance of accreditation to ISO 14001. Everyone on the Midsomer Norton, Avon, site had to be aware of their role in this project, not only in the present but also in the long-term future. "The role of the individual is as important as the role of the company",said David Starkey, quality manager, "everyone has, and takes, responsibility at Coates".
Plate 4 Mr Charles Henderson (left), chairman, Total Oil Holdings Ltd, presents the ISO 14001 certificate to Mr Mike Cockett, managing director, Coates Electrographics and Coates Screen, at Midsomer Norton, Avon on Thursday 5 November 1998
Surrounded as they are by residential houses in Midsomer Norton, Coates have always endeavoured to provide a safe and healthy living environment for their neighbours as well as their staff. With a new environmental management system (EMS) they have found a tried and tested method by which they can measure the environmental impact of their operations, and can assess improvements as they are implemented.
Coates are especially pleased to be among the first companies in their industry to achieve accreditation (Plate 4).
