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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Korry Electronics wins top environmental award

OLYMPIA, October 5, 2006 — Washington State Ecology Director Jay Manning has presented Korry Electronics with Washington's top environmental award for reducing its use of toxics, eliminating the use of brominated flame retardants, conserving water and energy, and promoting resource conservation in its sister companies.

The Seattle business received the 2006 Governor's Award for Pollution Prevention and Sustainable Practices in a ceremony at the state capitol October 4.

"These organizations are not only achieving outstanding bottom-line results through their pollution prevention efforts, but they are helping to move Washington forward in a competitive global economy," said Manning. "Business practices that this year's award winners are using are helping to secure our place in the world economy."

Korry Electronics designs and manufactures electro-optical controls for the aerospace and defense market. The company has improved its environmental and economic performance with new equipment, redesigned processes, and a strong commitment to environmental protection.

Korry practices lean manufacturing, scrutinizing all phases of its operations to find and eliminate waste. Employees and suppliers worked together on a vendor-managed inventory program for chemical products, which reduced the amount of out-of-date material wasted. Employees have verified that Korry Electronics products do not contain brominated flame retardants, a class of persistent, bioaccumulative toxics.

The amount of paint-booth filter waste dropped by more than half after new monitoring gauges were installed and the change-out process reworked. A new closed circuit cooling tower has reduced water bills by an average of $3300 per month and could reduce water consumption by 2.9 million gallons per year. It will also lower annual electrical costs by $6,800 and use by more than 105,000 kWh.

"We have observed a culture change in which employees take ownership in finding ways not to generate waste and in ensuring the wastes that are generated are properly managed." (From Korry Electronics' application for the award.)

For more information about the award, go to: www.ecy.wa.gov/sustainability/GovAward/gov_awards.htm, or call Mariann Cook Andrews at (360) 407-6740, e-mail: maco461@ecy.wa.gov.