Mohawk's Ohio Facility Sets Safety Standard As Company Garners Awards

COHOES, N.Y.—September 9, 2015—Mohawk, North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers, envelopes and specialty substrates for commercial and digital printing, has achieved a significant safety milestone at its Saybrook, Ohio, facility, and has been recognized by the Pulp and Paper Safety Association (PPSA) for a number of safety awards for safe manufacturing operations.

Mohawk’s Saybrook, Ohio, converting and distribution center located in Ashtabula, Ohio, has logged eleven years - the equivalent of 3 million work hours or over 4,000 days - without a lost time injury. This significant accomplishment, achieved by nearly 200 employees clearly demonstrates Mohawk’s strong commitment to workplace safety.

“This significant achievement is a true testament to the dedication of all Saybrook employees to Mohawk’s safety culture. Our converting center has been an OSHA VPP Star site since 2003, and our employees are involved in every facet of our safety program, which has allowed us to achieve such outstanding results,” said Jason Meunier, vice president, Ohio operations.

Mohawk received two 2014 PPSA awards in the "No OSHA Recordables" category for locations in Albany and Cohoes, New York.

The Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) is an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) initiative that encourages private industries to prevent workplace injuries through hazard prevention and control, worksite analysis, and training. VPP offers two levels of certification, with Star Certification being the highest level. Star Certification recognizes employers and employees for developing and implementing continuous improvement workplace safety management programs that result in injury/illness rates that are below the national averages for their industries.

Mohawk was also recently recognized by the Pulp and Paper Safety Association (PPSA) for a number of safety awards for safe manufacturing operations throughout many of the company’s locations in 2014:

• 2014 Most Improved (Paper Mill, Small)—Waterford, New York
• 2014 Best Record (Paper Mill, Small)—Cohoes, New York
• 2014 No OSHA Recordables (Specialty Operations)—Cohoes, New York
• 2014 No OSHA Recordables (Paper Distribution)—Albany, New York

Mohawk continues to set industry leading standards for safe operations and is known throughout the paper manufacturing industry for its commitment to safety and operational excellence. Perhaps the most important impact of operational excellence is the safety of Mohawk’s employees.

"At Mohawk, the most important impact of our focus on operational excellence is ensuring the safety of our employees," said Bruce Hogan, senior vice president, operations, Mohawk. "The recent safety awards we have received from the Pulp and Paper Safety Association are achievements we’re especially proud of. Every day our teams strive to achieve the safest possible work environment, and safety will always be a key focus area for Mohawk."

About Mohawk
Mohawk is North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers and envelopes which are preferred for commercial and digital printing, photo specialties and high-end direct mail. Mohawk fine papers and envelopes include the signature brands Mohawk Superfine and Strathmore, as well as proprietary treatments Inxwell and i-Tone. With a culture of innovation, Mohawk’s business model now extends beyond paper manufacturing into new areas of growth, including digital substrates and Web-based software platforms, which connect designers and printers to new markets. As a leader in environmentally and socially responsible business practices, Mohawk was the first U.S. manufacturer of commercial printing papers to match 100 percent of its electricity with wind power renewable energy credits and the first U.S. premium paper mill to shift toward carbon neutral production. Mohawk’s portfolio of recycled papers is certified by Green Seal and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Mohawk is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated business based in Cohoes, New York, with global sales and operations located throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

Source: Mohawk.