LOS ANGELES – Dunn-Edwards recently received the 2012 Manufacturing Leadership 100 award for Operational Excellence, by Manufacturing Executive. The company’s new LEED^®Gold-certified manufacturing facility, was honored for its innovation and superiority in operational excellence for undertaking a project that transformed production processes and systems with an eye toward reducing costs and enhancing agility. Other winners in this category include IBM, Ford Motor Co., L’Oréal USA Inc., Michelin North America and Pella Corp. 

Located in Phoenix, Dunn-Edwards’ 336,000-square-foot facility was custom designed to be the greenest and most efficient in the coatings industry. “We have incorporated innovative, energy-efficient equipment and protocols, such as unique high-efficiency process equipment with integrated dust-suppression technology so that no particulates are emitted to ambient air, and advanced wastewater recycling techniques to conserve water. Our systems are classified as ultra-low discharge, meaning that waste generation is greatly minimized,” said Karl Altergott, CEO. 

Dunn-Edwards is considered one of the most environmentally-friendly paint manufacturers and an industry leader in eco-efficient principles. For example, throughout its operations the company focuses on initiatives such as energy efficiency, waste minimization, recycling, emissions reduction, and health and safety protection. “So, not only are we manufacturing paint that is more eco-friendly, we have taken great steps to conserve energy and material resources, and to reduce waste in our physical environment,” said Altergott. 

“Now, with the new plant in full operation, we have greatly increased our capacity and are able to produce paint for third parties,” explained Mark Alling, Vice President of Manufacturing. “This includes existing paint companies, private-label brands and licensed product.” Services offered include formulation and technical development, end-to-end commercialization process, inventory and logistic services, and custom labeling.