GM Powertrain Goes Green in White Marsh: Baltimore Transmission Plant Sends No Waste to Landfill

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GM Powertrain Goes Green In White Marsh
Baltimore Transmission Plant Sends No Waste to Landfill

Towson, Md. (October 19, 2007) General Motors Joint Plant Leadership and Baltimore County Economic Development Executive Director David S. Iannucci today announced that GM Powertrain's White marsh plant is "landfill free." Each year, the transmission plan generates 7,500 tons of waste that is reused, recycled or converted to energy. Over 13,000 tons of CO2 will not enter the atmosphere each year as a result of the plant's manufacturing operations, which avoid the CO2 emissions normally generated when waste is land-filled.

"GM's achievement is an example of how the private sector can be part of Baltimore County's Green Renaissance, a partner committed to practical and effective environmental programs," said Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith in a statement.

Considering the size of the plant - 415 employees make 178,000 transmissions a year at the Philadelphia Road facility - it is a significant accomplishment achieved by only a few manufacturing plants in the United States. By comparison, the average American generates 4.5 pounds of waste each day, over half of which ends up in a landfill.

"Equally exciting is production of the new, fuel efficient hybrid transmissions that the plant will begin manufacturing this fall," stated Economic Development Director Iannucci. "GM chose the White Marsh facility for this new product because the Baltimore team has demonstrated over and over again its ability to meet and exceed world class standards."

Aluminum is recycled by GM foundries that produce engine and transmission components. Steel alloy metals, and paper are sent to recyclers for reconstitution into a variety of products. Used oil is reconditioned for use as a manufacturing fuel additive. Wood pallets are given to Baltimore area fire departments or sent to energy recovery. Empty drums and totes are refurbished and reused.

Baltimore County's Green Renaissance initiative includes a new tax credit for building high performance buildings according to federal "green" standards, and development of a strategy for sustainable forests that are ecologically, socially and economically healthy.