Media Release - Leading By Example
MEDIA RELEASE – 17 July 2007
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Michell Suzhou Raises the Bar on Environmental Management
Following a proud tradition of environmental responsibility set by Michell Pty Ltd’s existing wool processing facility in Australia – Michell Suzhou, the specialist fibre company’s new state of the art processing plant in Wujiang City – is taking a clean and ‘green’ approach to business.
The doors to the new $10M China facility opened in June this year and Michell Suzhou General Manager, Mr Nigel Godde believes the plant has the capability to surpass even those lofty environmental management benchmarks set by Michell Pty Ltd in the past. “Michell already enjoys a global reputation as an environmentally responsible company – but I am confident Michell Suzhou has the potential to further strengthen the company’s standing as a ‘green’ operator and set new industry standards on clean processing,” Mr Godde said. “We chose to build this plant in Wujiang City – because we knew the local authorities in this region were strong on environmental management and could guide us on this issue,” said Mr Godde. “ Thanks to the advice of groups like China’s Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB), the Wujiang Promotional Bureau, Wujiang City and the Fenhu Economic Development Zone (FEDZ) – the plant utilises the latest technologies in waste water treatment and not only meets but in some cases exceeds environmental regulations and guidelines.”
The Michell Suzhou facility is second to none in terms of environmental management. Of the total investment in the new plant – 25% went into the construction of a world-leading, on-site waste water treatment plant - incorporating the latest clean and ‘green’ environmental technology including diffused air filtration (DAF) and a three-phase grease separation plant. “For Michell though – environmental responsibility doesn’t stop at our boundary lines,” said Mr Godde. “It’s important for us to know that waste water is not only being correctly treated in our own effluent plant – but that its ongoing treatment is meeting the same strict guidelines.”
Treated waste water from Michell Suzhou’s effluent plant is discharged to the Fenhu Economic Development Zone’s (FEDZ’s) own waste water treatment facility. While the FEDZ’s plant already adheres to stringent environmental regulations – there are plans in place to further improve this facility. “Michell Suzhou applauds the decision by the FEDZ to upgrade its treatment plant within the next six months,” Mr Godde said. “The improvements will reduce discharge limits to below 50 C.O.D. – which sets a high benchmark for other regions to work towards.”
Along with Michell Pty Ltd’s investment into the construction of Michell Suzhou, comes an equally firm commitment to maintaining a long term presence in China. “For the last 70 years, Michell has been selling wool to China and building strong networks across the local textile industry,” Mr Godde said. “With the doors now open at Michell Suzhou - we look forward to increasing our level of operation here - but not our environmental footprint. We’re keen to continue working closely with local authorities within Wujiang to ensure this region establishes a reputation throughout China as an environmentally responsible zone.”
The opening of Michell Suzhou signals a new era for the 137 year old, fifthgeneration, family-owned organisation. “This is an extremely exciting time for Michell,” said Mr Godde. “With Michell Suzhou up and running and thanks to the installation of some of the finest processing machinery available anywhere in the world – we can produce premium quality product in an environmentally responsible manner.”
www.michellwool.com
Michell Pty Ltd is a South Australian-based specialist fibre business, with brothers David and Peter Michell as Managing Directors.
Issued for Michell Pty Ltd by Foster Hill PR & Marketing.
For more information, please contact Karyn Foster or Skye Murtagh on
+ 61 8 8231 3555 or email: fh@fosterhill.com.au