Environmental Management Policy adopted

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT POLICY adopted across Textron's turf care DIVISION

By Peter Driver

Further confirmation of Textron's commitment to environmental issues across their turf care operations is evident with the announcement that the Jacobsen manufacturing facility in Charlotte, N.C. has achieved ISO 14001 certification.

Jacobsen manufactures a full range of turf maintenance equipment and vehicles for golf, turf, professional lawn care, sports field, municipal and industrial applications, which are distributed in the UK, Europe and Middle East by Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd.

The ISO 14001 standard, often referred to as the "green" standard, defines the specific requirements for a comprehensive Environmental Management System (EMS). It allows organisations to use the standard to develop their own policies and objectives within a structured management system framework to meet the requirements for an effective EMS.

Jacobsen has long been recognized as a leader in producing environmentally friendly turf care equipment. They have introduced electrically operated utility trucks, tri-plex riding greens mowers and walk-behind mowers, that produce no emissions and use no oils, fuels or fluids that could potentially harm the environment. Jacobsen also manufactures petrol and diesel powered products that are compliant with local, national and international emissions regulations, and also use biodegradable oils, hydraulic fluids and greases that also do not harm soil or water, if spilled accidentally.

Jacobsen's sister company, UK-based Ransomes Jacobsen was awarded ISO 14001 accreditation in December 2002, the first manufacturer within the UK turf care industry to achieve this significant international standard.