Fall River, MA - Lightolier, a Fall River-based corporation known for its development of energy efficient interior lighting,
today announced that it has eliminated the use of approximately 1.25 million pounds of Trichloroethylene
(TCE) and other hazardous chemicals at its Fall River, MA plant . With the support of the Massachusetts
Office of Technical Assistance and Technology (OTA), one of the offices that reports to the Executive
Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA), Lightolier found less toxic alternatives to TCE (an
acidic chemical commonly used to degrease mechanical parts in manufacturing facilities nationwide) and
modified its production process. These efforts eliminated over four million pounds of volatile organic
compound emissions - a 95% reduction - and saved more than $2 million in operating costs.
The OTA supported Lightolier's efforts with extensive training sessions and workshops that explored
new, safer methods for cleaning, rinsing, chemically treating, and coating metal parts. In keeping
with its strong corporate environmental objectives, Lightolier has been engaged in the Commonwealth's
pollution prevention assistance initiative since the late 1980's.
"Sustainability is of paramount importance to Lightolier, and both our products and manufacturing
policies reflect that," said Ron Westgate, Lightolier Plant Engineer. "Every individual in our
organization, from top management through manufacturing employees, are committed to making Lightolier
a safer place to work and a more environmentally conscious member of the community. We are very pleased
to have been recognized by the OTA, and we fully plan to continue our efforts toward sustainability at
all levels of production."
The OTA recognized Lightolier in an official ceremony on August 15 th . The event included an
acknowledgement of the company's achievement from EOEEA Undersecretary for the Environment Phil
Griffiths and a tour of Lightolier's Tech Center and manufacturing floor.
