Mandate comes in advance of pending global environmental initiatives
MILWAUKEE (August 26, 2004) -Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) today announced that it has notified 2,000 suppliers worldwide that they must stop using lead in certain products by October 2004. The mandate for Rockwell Automation suppliers comes in advance of pending global environmental regulations. "Rockwell Automation relentlessly strives to be the best in all aspects of environmental management. With this supplier mandate we're doing far more than just regulatory compliance," says Charyl Fines, vice president, Quality Environment & Safety, Rockwell Automation. "Our long-standing environmental program includes reducing the amount of hazardous substances used in our products.
Our suppliers play a critical role in helping us achieve these goals, which will positively further our environmental efforts." Rockwell Automation's supplier mandate means that, for example, it will only accept lead free solder, used for circuit boards assembly, or lead free additives, used for electrical cable jackets. Additionally, Rockwell Automation has also established guidelines for suppliers to change to non-Hexavalent Chromium chromate coating technology, also by October 2004. Chromate coatings are used for sheet metal and casting corrosion protection. Rockwell Automation's efforts come well in advance of certain material restrictions imposed by the European Union (EU) affecting electrical and electronic equipment sold in Europe.
The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, effective in July 2006, bans the sale of some types of electrical and electronic products that contain certain substances. More about Rockwell Automation environmental programs and initiatives is available at: www.rockwellautomation.com/about_us/env_report/2003/index.html .
Rockwell Automation is a leading global provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help customers meet their manufacturing productivity objectives. The company brings together leading brands in industrial automation for Complete Automation solutions, including Allen-Bradley controls and services, Dodge mechanical power transmission products, Reliance Electric motors and drives, and Rockwell Software factory management software. The company also is a provider of contact management technologies and applications that help companies more efficiently manage interaction with their own customers. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., the company employs about 20,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.
