Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
Ambrake plant in Elizabethtown joins state's environmental leadership program

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (Aug. 18, 2006) - Ambrake Manufacturing Ltd., which makes high-quality automotive brake components at its plant in Elizabethtown, has been accepted as a Master member of KY EXCEL, the environmental leadership program in the Department for Environmental Protection (DEP).

"Ambrake and our associates have always taken a lot of pride in being an environmentally conscious company," said Doug Morgan, plant manager. "To be recognized by the state of Kentucky as a Master member of the KY EXCEL program is a testament to the hard work and efforts put forth by all of our associates. We look forward to being a part of this select group as we travel down the path of continuous improvement as related to our environmental aspects."

Master membership is the highest membership level in KY EXCEL. To attain it, Ambrake had to demonstrate comprehensive environmental management planning, submit to an independent third-party assessment of the plant’s environmental performance and commit to and report on at least four voluntary projects that benefit Kentucky’s environment.

Ambrake’s voluntary projects include eliminating cadmium and lead additives from its electroless nickel plating bath, halving rinse water from its electrodeposition painting process, cutting 90 percent of the hexavalent chromium found in its wastewater, and reducing hazardous waste generation by 5 percent.

Ambrake was formed in 1986. Akebono Corporation North America, also located in Elizabethtown, is the parent company of Ambrake. The company manufactures disc brakes, drum brakes and disc brake pads for customers such as GM, Pontiac, Saturn, Nissan, Honda and Toyota.

"Ambrake’s continual efforts to reduce wastes and minimize hazardous materials in its processes illustrate the facility’s ongoing commitment to Kentucky’s environment," said Aaron Keatley, director of the Division of Compliance Assistance in DEP. "The Department is pleased to welcome Ambrake into KY EXCEL as a Master member. Its efforts are a testament to how progressive corporate leaders can integrate meaningful environmental considerations into their day-to-day business decisions."

DEP launched KY EXCEL in 2006 to encourage and recognize voluntary efforts that improve Kentucky’s environment. Any individual, business or organization that is interested in learning more about KY EXCEL can obtain information online at www.dca.ky.gov <http://www.dca.ky.gov> or by calling the Division of Compliance Assistance at (800) 926-8111.