Green Statement

Easy to be Green at WB Manufacturing

WB Manufacturing, a manufacturer of custom work surfaces, tables and furniture, has adopted a Green operations initiative that values environmentally responsible practices in manufacturing and operations of its facility.

This voluntary initiative showcases WB Manufacturing as a responsible corporate citizen while ensuring that the products used in manufacturing, products delivered to the education market, recreation and material handling markets and its operation are all environmentally friendly.

WB Manufacturing incorporated a broad range program affecting everything from materials that go into its products to its standards on the manufacturing floor. “The process to go Green involved reviewing all areas of the business,” said Steve Burgess, General Manager.

Energy consumption is a major expense for the organization, but WB Manufacturing found that with a few simple changes from energy efficient lights on the 200,000 square foot plant to motion sensor light switches in the office area resulted in reduced usage by 54% and significantly lower energy bills. Wisconsin Bench also voluntarily participates in the peak load lighting conservation program with the local utility company.

Recycling has always been a standard business practice from using recycled paper in the office equipment and recycled corrugated cardboard for packaging to recycling aluminum cans and plastics. WB Manufacturing even recycles the salvage particle board and MDF scraps using a dedicated shredder to create small bedding particles for local farms.

As part of its Green manufacturing focus, Wisconsin Bench routinely acquires products like particle board and medium density fiberboard (MDF) with no added urea formaldehyde (NAUF) as well as CARB (California Air Resource Board) compliant materials. “We are constantly evaluating our suppliers to ensure that their products are constructed using recycled wood fiber, as well as providing CARB compliant core materials,” added Lane Whitted, Purchasing Manager.

CARB established standards for wood products made with urea-formaldehyde resin products being sold or manufactured in the State of California. The stated goals of CARB include attaining and maintaining healthy air quality; protecting the public from exposure to toxic air contaminants; and providing innovative approaches for complying with air pollution rules and regulations. In selecting MDF and particle board for manufacturing, Wisconsin Bench selects Environmentally Preferred Products made from 100% recycled or reclaimed products; materials that meet CARB requirements.

WB Manufacturing products can also assist clients with earning Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) points. Project Managers should specify which LEED point categories are targeted to aid in compliance.

Our other “Green” programs include FSC® certified casework, hardwood work tops, countertops and benches; Greenguard® certified REplay repositionable casework and tables and other important industry programs.

WB Manufacturing continues to focus its operation on complying with manufacturing standards that puts the health and welfare of the planet and our people first. Our focus is to exceed in Green initiatives and standards.