Bluestar Silicones Achieves Certification Under The Responsible Care® Management System

YORK, S.C., April 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Bluestar Silicones, a global integrated silicones supplier, has achieved certification under the Responsible Care® Management System (RCMS) at its U.S. manufacturing facility located in York, S.C.

The facility, which opened in 2012, underwent three independent audits as part of a year-long program to align with the environmental, health and safety standards under the American Chemistry Council's (ACC) Responsible Care® program.

In 2012, Bluestar Silicones relocated its manufacturing facilities in Ventura, Calif., and Rock Hill, S.C., to this 226,000 square foot facility in York as part of its global growth strategy. The investment included state-of-the-art clean rooms and enhanced systems to ensure the highest level of quality.

"During the relocation and integration of two locations into one new site, safety was our top priority," said Dave Beaty, Director of Strategic Development and Compliance.  "Safety of our employees, our contractors, our neighbors and the environment was key to our success, all while maintaining continuous supply for our customers throughout the transition."

"Shortly after the startup of the York facility, we launched into the RCMS certification process to help build the foundation of a new site culture," said Mr. Beaty. "We are pleased with the best practices that were identified in the audit and the positive comments of auditors that reflect the quality culture we have established here in York.  RCMS is truly a team system here in York."

According to the audit results, all employees interviewed understood what Responsible Care is and effectively articulated how the Responsible Care principles applied to their jobs.

"Our new plant serves as the cornerstone for our success here in North America, and ultimately our customers' success," said J. Christopher York, President, Bluestar Silicones in North America.  "RCMS is a key component of the culture of our new site and I am incredibly proud of the team for accomplishing this rigorous certification."

The company produces its extensive range of silicone technologies at the York facility, including liquid silicone rubber (LSR), high consistency rubber (HCR), room-temperature vulcanized silicones (RTV), gels, greases and compounds, emulsions, UV/EB and thermal cure release coatings, foam control additives, and functionalized fluids and resins marketed under its Bluesil™, Silbione®, Silcolease®, Silcolapse® and Lyndcoat® trade names.

RCMS offers an integrated, structured approach to improve company performance in the following key areas: community awareness and emergency response; security; distribution; employee health and safety; pollution prevention; and process and product safety.  

Since 1988, Responsible Care has helped American Chemistry Council (ACC) member companies significantly enhance their performance, discover new business opportunities, and improve employee safety, the health of the communities in which they operate and the environment as a whole, moving toward a safer, more sustainable future.

About Bluestar Silicones
With worldwide operations headquartered in Lyon, France, Bluestar Silicones is a $650 million worldwide silicones raw material manufacturer. The company is one of the world's leading fully integrated global silicones manufacturers with more than 60 years of silicone expertise. Bluestar Group acquired Elkem in 2011, one of the world's leading companies for silicon for silicones, solar grade silicon, special alloys, carbon and microsilica.

Bluestar Silicones has manufacturing operations throughout the world and combines upstream silicon metal operations and capacity with downstream silicone market and application development expertise. The company offers a comprehensive range of silicone technologies in support of diverse specialty markets including paper release, textile coatings, healthcare, moldmaking, automotive, aerospace, and personal care. For more information, call (866) 474-6342.

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Karen O'Keefe, (732) 227-2089        
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SOURCE Bluestar Silicones