PROVO, Utah, Oct. 26, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Pacific States Cast Iron Pipe Company, a leading supplier to water companies, utility purveyors, and the wastewater treatment industry, today announced that it has established a Community Advisory Panel (CAP) to work with the company to enhance its connection with the community.
Comprised of community leaders representing diverse area interests, the CAP will provide input as to how Pacific States relates to the community, and suggest opportunities for investment in community projects and activities. Ultimately, this increased interaction with community leaders, as facilitated by the CAP, will help Pacific States improve its operations and ensure it remains a leading responsible neighbor and corporate citizen in Utah County.
To assure that it represents the community's range of interests, the panel comprises leaders from government, business, labor and community organizations, including residents from neighborhoods near the plant. Specifically, the following have agreed to serve on the panel:
Steve Alder, Utah County Health Department Terry Beebe, Utah County Health Department Merril Bingham, Director, Public Works, City of Provo Tim Brough, Chair, Spring Creek Neighborhood David Carter, President, United Steelworkers of America, Local 1654 Steve Densley, President, Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce Leland Gamette, Director, Economic Development, City of Provo John Gleave, Director, Economic Development, Springville Jerry Grover, Commissioner, Utah County Joe Hunter, Chief of Staff, US Representative Joe Cannon Midge Johnson, Member, Provo City Council Michael Mower, Director of Community and Governmental Relations, Office of the Mayor of Provo Diona Wilson, Chair, East Bay Neighborhood
"Pacific States is an important and longstanding member of the Utah County community and its connections with some local institutions stretch back decades," said Vice President and General Manager John Balian. "Our company has been making significant changes to its facility operations, including major investments in state-of-the-art operational, safety and environmental performance systems. These changes include a renewed commitment to work closely with our neighbors on matters of mutual interest. One way we're doing this is seeking the advice and input of community leaders regarding our operations and how we can improve the quality of life for our workers, their families and the community we live in."
"We initiated a CAP at another of our facilities as a pilot program and the results are already outstanding," said G. Ruffner Page, Jr., President of McWane, Inc.. "The CAP has made great strides, with many different elements of that community working with us to achieve tangible improvements that benefit everyone involved. Now we want to do the same at other facilities, including Pacific States."
About Pacific States
Pacific States, a subsidiary of Birmingham-based McWane, Inc., manufactures cast-iron pipe to deliver drinking water and convey wastewater for treatment. The facility is undergoing major upgrades to its production, safety and environmental performance systems, with over $12 million invested in state-of-the-art improvements so far. The plant employs 330 people.
About McWane, Inc.
McWane, Inc. is a family owned business based in Birmingham, Alabama with thirteen iron foundries across the United States and Canada. McWane's divisions focus on the safe, environmentally friendly manufacturing of ductile iron pipe, fittings, hydrants and valves. These and other products provide the backbone of vital water distribution and wastewater treatment systems for communities across North America. The company employs more than 7,000 workers in the communities in which it has operations and has a longstanding commitment of support to those communities.
For media inquiries regarding McWane, please call (205) 871-9774.