Environmental Protection Agency Taps Stanley as First Furniture Company to Qualify for Prestigious Performance Track Designation

Furniture World Magazine

Because of its extraordinary commitment to protect the environment, Stanley Furniture Company is the first furniture company in the United States to be recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as one of the nation's top environmental performers. The company's Martinsville plant has been named a member of the EPA's prestigious National Environmental Performance Track program, which honors companies that consistently exceed environmental regulation requirements and are dedicated to motivating other companies to achieve similar improvements. Performance Track companies have been identified by the EPA as setting the pace by demonstrating successful ways to increase protection of public health and the environment. Stanley joins just over 300 facilities throughout the nation that have been honored for taking exceptional steps to reduce and prevent pollution, while improving productivity. "At Stanley, we believe we have a responsibility to protect not just our community, but our environment, from unnecessary pollution," says Jeff Scheffer, Stanley president and CEO. "This year, for example, our Martinsville facility has recycled 60 tons of paper, cardboard and magazines, thereby saving 990 trees or the equivalent of the trash generated by a family of four in 18 and one-half years. In addition, we have recycled 1,060 tons of processed wood as fuel, saving 118,000 gallons of fuel oil or 17 million cubic feet of natural gas." Stanley qualified for the program because of its past environmental achievements, its continuous commitment to environmental compliance and a strong environmental management system. "Performance Track facilities represent a new generation of environmental leaders who have the vision to embrace the strategies that will protect the environment for generations to come," says Dan Fiorino, director of the EPA's Performance Incentives Division. The EPA Performance Track designation carries benefits, as well. They include EPA recognition, as well as administrative and regulatory incentives, which decrease paperwork and increase flexibility, while allowing facilities to focus on environmental improvement. The national honor coincides with admittance of the Martinsville facility into the State of Virginia Environmental Excellence E3 Program, for companies with a fully implemented environmental management system, pollution prevention programs and demonstrated performance. The two new designations are the most recent accolades for Stanley, which already had established itself as a leader in environmental protection. In 2002, Stanley became the first furniture manufacturing company in the nation to successfully implement a proactive environmental program, EFEC (Enhancing Furniture's Environmental Culture), created by the American Furniture Manufacturer's Association. Three years ago, Stanley began a comprehensive recycling program at its Martinsville facility. "We have been recycling wood, metal, paper and cardboard," says Dave Maddox, Stanley's Director of Environmental Engineering. "An added benefit has been a significant financial savings. The cost of trash pickup, as well as fuel expenses, has decreased." "To be recognized as a proactive steward of the environment is one of the greatest honors that we have ever received," Scheffer says. "As a Performance Track company, we plan to continuously improve our environmental standards, not because the law requires it, but because it is the right thing to do." One of the largest furniture manufacturers in the United States, Stanley Furniture Co., Inc. is widely recognized as a style and design leader. The company has received nine coveted Pinnacle Awards for fine quality residential wood furniture, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Stanley Collections are presented as dining room, bedroom, home entertainment and accent tables, and home office. Young America(R) is the industry leader in youth furniture. Founded in 1924, Stanley has a strong tradition of superior product supported by excellent quality and service. The shipment of orders to retail stores -- an average of 14 days this year -- is among the fastest in the industry. Production facilities are located in Stanleytown and Martinsville, Va., as well as Robbinsville and Lexington, N.C. Stanley's upper-medium priced furniture is sold to furniture specialty stores, department stores and furniture store chains. Stanley common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol STLY. For additional information, visit stanleyfurniture.com.