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ROCKFORD, Nov. 6 — Thomason Machine Works, a second-generation manufacturer of machine repair replacement parts, has received the 28th Annual Governor’s Sustainability Award for 2014.
The Rockford company is one of 24 honored for protecting the environment, helping sustain the future and improving the economy. It received local recognition during a ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, at its facility, 5459 11th St.
“Thomason Machine Works has been committed to green manufacturing for many years,” said Mike Thomason, sales manager. “Our efforts originated over 20 years ago, but we are proud to say that we have made some of the most significant improvements just within the last few.”
Achievements earning this distinction, some dating back to 1980, include:
- Energy-efficient light fixtures /sensors, hand dryers and air compressors.
- Recycling of metals materials, oils/coolants, packing materials, paper, toner cartridges and batteries.
- Going paperless with a biometric time clock and a tooling inventory management system.
- Reducing the need for environmentally hazardous coolants by using oil skimming equipment.
Sustainability initiatives continue at the 37,000-square-foot facility:
- Beta testing of a paperless job tracking system on the shop floor using iPads.
- Working toward a paperless order management system by upgrading software.
- Renovating the land behind the facility to re-create an owl and raptor wildlife habitat/resting area, with the help of Hoo Haven, a rehabilitation center in Durand.
Thomason also shared that community stewardship is a company value in addition to environmental stewardship.
This year alone, employees participated in month-long fundraising for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, the summertime Sharefest school renovation project and a blood drive in April.
State and local dignitaries attended the event, including John Mulrow, Business/Industrial Sustainability Specialist, Illinois Sustainable Technology Center; Jeff Polsean, Northern Stateline Regional Manager, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity; state Sen. Steve Stadelman, 34th District; and Dave Peterson, Human Services Administrator, Winnebago County.
“We are excited to see where our sustainability journey takes us in the future,” Thomason said. “Going green is something we all can do to save the environment while also saving time and money. This award validates that success.”
See a photo gallery from the event on the RAEDC Facebook page.
ABOUT THOMASON MACHINE WORKS
Thomason Machine Works, Inc. has been family owned and operated since 1978, founded by Jim Thomason. It’s now a second-generation company run by Jim and his 2 sons, Mike & Dave, to offer high-quality machine repair replacement parts.
Thomason Machine Works specializes in a variety of header, roll thread and general machining products and employs skilled machinists who are experts in CNC milling, CNC turning and Wire EDM. From prototype runs to mass production of parts, it has the ability to meet the ever-changing demands in an industry with especially diverse customer needs. The Thomason team takes pride in offering customers a level of service unmatched by anyone in the industry.
For more information, go to www.thomasonmachine.com.
ABOUT THE GOVERNOR’S AWARD
Since 1987, the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) has presented the Illinois Governor’s Sustainability Award (Governor’s Award) to organizations that demonstrate a commitment to our economy, society and environment through outstanding and innovative sustainability practices.
The Governor’s Award is given to companies and organizations that implement techniques or technologies that reduce or eliminate pollutants, toxicity and other environmental impacts, including the amount of and/or toxicity of pollutants that would have otherwise been released into the environment. Sustainability includes processes such as raw material and solvent substitution, preventive maintenance programs, beneficial reuse of by-products, waste reduction and recycling, employee engagement efforts, and comprehensive environmental management systems or governing policies.
For more information, go to www.istc.illinois.edu/info/govs_awards.cfm.
 
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