Otis Achieves ESG Goal

Otis achieved a significant milestone recently when our manufacturing facility in Florence, South Carolina, became the 18^th and final global factory to receive ISO 14001 certification. In doing so, we achieved one of our long-term Environmental, Social & Governance goals years ahead of schedule.  

“ESG has been a focus of ours for decades and is embedded in our strategy and culture. Earlier this year, we set ambitious long-term ESG targets with the aim of creating a more sustainable future,” said Todd Glance, EVP of Operations. “To reach one of our 13 targets ahead of schedule speaks to the dedication of our colleagues around the world and demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration and active engagement.”

Working with the Florence Quality team, this collaborative effort also expanded the scope of the certification under the ISO 9001 Certification umbrella for the Tool Facility which rolled into the same process. This was also key in that the team received zero non-conformities, which meant that there was no follow-up to address outstanding issues. Florence received its recommendation for certification at the end of the audit without the need for “homework” to address outstanding issues.

“Partnering with the Florence Quality team, which manages our existing ISO 9001 Quality Management system certification, was crucial in the preparations and auditing process,” shared Kyle Matthews, Sr. Manager, Environment, Health & Safety. “By integrating environmental and quality into one system we are optimizing on the skills of our people, our tools and therefore our internal resources.” 

The facility has focused on its conservation and environmental impact. Recent environmental milestones include:

• Installing a 1.0 MW solar field which produces ~25% of our factory electrical demand
• Reducing 37% of greenhouse gas emissions from 2015-2020
• Greater than 95% of the Florence site’s waste is either recycled or reused
• Served as the pilot site for the new ZWTL (Zero Waste to Landfill) global ESG initiative earlier this year.
• Completed conversation of LED lighting in support areas; currently working to convert manufacturing areas by the end of 2021
• Completed wood packing design change to reduce consumption of goods and packaging waste.

“I am very proud of our team and of reaching this milestone in Florence. We wouldn’t have accomplished this if it weren’t for the efforts of those involved,” said Robert Gokey, Executive Director of Operations. “Reaching this goal is notable, but so is the impact this will make on the environment and how these changes will make a difference.”

Related Articles:

• Otis’ First Zero Waste to Landfill Pilot Begins
• Otis Facility in Korea Achieves Environmental Certification
• Otis Facility in Brazil Achieves ISO 14001 Certification
• Otis Announces Global ESG Goals