Date: 9th August 2000 Reference: PR/63/00 Pilkington celebrates double awards Pilkington Automotive's commitment to environmental policies and employee development has been recognised with two significant awards for its Kings Norton plant; ISO14001, the international standard for environmental management systems, and Investors in People. John Monks, TUC general secretary, and Bill Mahoney, government environmental officer West Midlands, presented the awards to Mike Cannon, plant manager at Kings Norton. Mick Moore, environmental manager for Pilkington Automotive, comments: "Kings Norton is the first Pilkington Automotive plant in the UK to achieve the ISO14001 standard. It is significant for both the company and its customers. Most vehicle manufacturers now require suppliers to have proper environmental systems in place. Pilkington Automotive is encouraging best environmental practice throughout the automotive industry." He continues: "Pilkington has a strong environmental policy. We set demanding goals for the reduction of emissions and waste, conducting regular, comprehensive environmental audits. It's important for suppliers to the industry to realise that environmental management is beneficial to them. As well as helping the environment, it cuts costs, limits their risks and minimises waste." Mike Cannon, plant manager at the Kings Norton plant, comments: "The Investors in People award is very important to Pilkington Automotive because it is recognition of our commitment to training and employee communications. Staff from all levels within the company were interviewed and we met the very demanding crieria set for the IiP award." Ends Issued on behalf of Pilkington Automotive by Key Communications. For further information: Emma Nicholls or Louise Price on 0121 456 3199.