Will undertake voluntary projects that benefit the environment

Contact:  Aaron Keatley 800-926-8111

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (Oct. 12, 2006) – Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky Inc. (TMMK) has been accepted as a master member of KY EXCEL, the environmental leadership program established by Governor Ernie Fletcher’s administration.

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

TMMK’s approved projects include water conservation by treating and using industrial wastewater and rainwater in its production processes. The company committed to participating in an electronic waste seminar sponsored by the Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center by sending an environmental representative to discuss best practices used in the industrial sector.  It also will host a regional household hazardous waste collection event for its employees and the general public in Scott County, where the plant is located.

TMMK has a “zero waste” goal of recycling all manufacturing waste generated at the Georgetown facility.  The company also composts select waste generated at the facility, converting the waste to a fertilizer for the landscaping on its grounds and an on-site garden that grows produce for local charities. TMMK has begun constructing a nature trail and an accompanying interactive environmental education center for use by school children during plant tours.

“Toyota’s active environmental program has produced many positive benefits to Kentucky’s environment and our communities.  We are excited that Toyota is continuing this tradition by participating in KY EXCEL,” said Aaron Keatley, director of the Kentucky Division of Compliance Assistance in the Department for Environmental Protection. “Toyota recognizes how important its manufacturing facility is to Kentucky’s citizens and is living up to that responsibility through its stewardship of Kentucky’s environment.”

“Toyota is determined to become the environmental performance leader in the automotive industry in North America,” said TMMK President Steve St. Angelo.  “We are constantly looking for improved methods to be environmentally responsible in all areas of our operations and are very pleased that we have been accepted as a master member of the KY EXCEL program.”

KY EXCEL was launched in 2006 by the Department for Environmental Protection to encourage and recognize voluntary efforts that improve Kentucky’s environment.  Any individual, business or organization can learn more about KY EXCEL online at www.dca.ky.gov or by calling the Kentucky Division of Compliance Assistance at 800-926-8111.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky began production in 1988 and is Toyota's largest production plant in North America.  TMMK employs about 7,000 team members and has the capacity to build 500,000 vehicles and engines annually.  The Georgetown plant is known for its production of the Camry, the best selling car in America for the last four years.