Beauty and the Assembly Line: Chrysler Group's Trenton South Facility Awarded for Environmental Contributions and Beautification

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Oct 15, 2010, 12:00 ET

KALAMAZOO, Mich., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ --

Trenton (Mich.) South Engine Plant awarded with The Michigan Plaque recognizing efforts to enhance the environmental quality of the facility's landscape
Awards judged and presented by non-profit, Keep Michigan Beautiful, Inc.
Landscape plays a large role in plant also achieving LEED Gold certification

Chrysler Group LLC's Trenton (Mich.) South Engine Plant was presented with The Michigan Plaque today in recognition of the plant's landscaping enhancements, helping make it one of the most environmentally-friendly facilities in the world. The Michigan Plaque is awarded by Keep Michigan Beautiful, Inc., a non-profit organization that encourages the improvement of environmental quality across the state.

Trenton South, which builds the all-new Pentastar V-6 engine, was designed for both efficient manufacturing and minimal environmental impact. Built on a brownfield site (abandoned or underused industrial and commercial areas available for re-use), the facility was constructed to embrace the highest environmental standards to address the complete lifecycle of the complex. Carefully-selected native trees, bushes and grass were placed around the facility to help cool the building and were specifically chosen because they require less water.

"The Trenton South Engine Plant continues to lead the way in efficient, eco-friendly designs both inside and out," said Scott Garberding, Senior Vice President and Head of Manufacturing, Chrysler Group LLC. "As a company, we are very proud of this plant. This award is a reflection of the attention to detail that we are designing not only into our plants, but into every vehicle that we build."

Keep Michigan Beautiful, Inc. annually recognizes programs and activities that substantially contribute to environmental improvement, beautification, site restoration and historical preservation. Approximately 10 recipients are presented with The Michigan Plaque every year.

"We are honored to have been recognized by Keep Michigan Beautiful, Inc. on our environmental contributions to the state and the planet," said Don DeKeyser, Trenton South plant manager. "World Class Manufacturing is a system designed to eliminate waste and that's precisely what we demonstrate at this facility."

The Michigan Plaque is the second award received by the Trenton South plant for its environmentally-friendly design. In March, the facility was recognized with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Green Building System certification for meeting the highest environmental standards. It is one of only four auto manufacturing facilities to receive a LEED rating of any kind and the only engine manufacturing facility in the world to achieve Gold status.

Additional contributing environmental improvements at the plant include higher performance insulation, more efficient manufacturing processes, and higher efficiency fluorescent lighting, and heating and cooling systems. Chrysler also continues its commitment to Zero-Waste-to-Landfill processes at Trenton South, which will divert more than 670 tons of waste from landfills.

About Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck and Mopar® vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler's culture of innovation – first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat's complementary technology – from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Ram Truck. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-size cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

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SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC