When workers at the Van Dyke Transmission Plant voiced their unhappiness with the 10 tons of coolant filters that were being landfilled monthly, Ford began to analyze waste-to-landfill procedures. A committee was formed to find a solution and the Van Dyke plant became Ford’s first zero waste-to-landfill transmission plant in North America.

Using the same committee approach that worked at Van Dyke, Ford created a five-year global waste reduction plan that will reduce waste produced per vehicle to just 13.4 pounds by 2016.

“By applying standard waste reduction processes across our global facilities, we are, through our actions – and not just words – improving the quality of life where we do business,” said John Fleming, executive vice president, Global Manufacturing and Labor Affairs.

The plan is a comprehensive approach to waste reduction. Ford will use eco-friendly packaging, enable employee involvement like was successful at Van Dyke and kitchen waste is even addressed. The easiest solution mentioned is finding more ways to reuse and recycle. In 2012, Ford made $225 million profit by recycling scrap metal.

The waste reduction strategy is a five part approach to waste reduction. 1) Conducting studies to identify the five largest waste-to-landfill streams at each plant. 2) Minimizing waste by leveraging the Ford production system of lean manufacturing. 3) Making recycling and reuse easier through improved waste sorting. 4) Investing in new technologies that reduce waste. 5) Expanding programs that deal with specific waste products.

“It’s very empowering to be able to address a problem that is so important – and not just to our plant or our company – but society in general,” says Dan Lewis, environmental engineer at the Van Dyke Transmission Plant. “Without the power to implement such change, some of the best solutions could never see the light of day.”

Matt Ford Sales is proud to be part of a company that is doing its part to protect the environment. They encourage everyone to read Ford’s five-year plan and see what they can do in their own community.

About Matt Ford Sales:

Located in Buckner, MO, the employees at Matt Ford Sales are devoted to providing customers with what has always set Matt Ford Sales apart: superior customer service. Offering a range of new, used, and certified Ford cars, trucks, and SUVs, Matt Ford Sales strives to provide all customers with what they are looking for. In addition to the great sales staff, Matt Ford Sales employees Blue Oval Certified technicians in the Ford service department, who are dedicated to keeping vehicles running at peak performance. Matt Ford Sales happily serves Kansas City and surrounding areas, such as Independence, Blue Springs, Raytown, and Lees Summit.