TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 20, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- For the second consecutive year, Virco Mfg. Corporation (AMEX:VIR) has been named a 2002 Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP) winner by the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB). As a leading supplier of chairs, tables and storage equipment for commercial and hospitality settings, as well as the largest manufacturer of educational furniture in the United States, Virco has received nine major environmental awards during 2002.
Headquartered in Torrance, with a major facility in Conway, Ariz., Virco's Torrance Division was honored for its substantial waste reduction achievements. These efforts enabled the company to divert approximately 1,940 tons of solid waste from landfills during the year 2001, resulting in savings of over $250,000.
Established in 1993 by the CIWMB, the WRAP initiative recognizes companies that have made significant progress in reducing their solid, non-hazardous waste. CIWMB is a division of the State of California's Environmental Protection Agency.
Virco's other 2002 environmental honors include:
- A WasteWise Program Partner of the Year Award from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA);
- A WasteWise Program Climate Change Partner of the Year Award from the EPA in recognition of the environmentally friendly design -- especially regarding greenhouse gas emissions -- of its new Conway manufacturing and distribution facility;
- A 2002 Best Paper Recycling Award from the American Forest & Paper Association;
- An Evergreen Award from the United States General Services Administration, in honor of Virco's many recycling and waste reduction accomplishments;
- An Award of Excellence from the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission;
- The 2002 Green Contractor Award from the Coalition for Government Procurement in honor of Virco's environmentally responsible manufacturing procedures;
- A Keep America Beautiful National Award reflective of our many achievements in the area of waste minimization; and
- The Arkansas Recycling Coalition's Corporate Community Involvement Award.
For more information, call 1-800-813-4150, or visit us at www.virco.com.