The Columbus, Ind., plant of AK Tube LLC has been recertified as a Star site in the Indiana Department of Labor's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). The Star designation signifies that the plant's safety programs surpass the requirements established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
In addition to being VPP Star-certified since 2006, AK Tube in Columbus has received the Safety Award of Honor from the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International in 2008 and 2009.
"Your re-approval to the Voluntary Protection Program is a strong endorsement of the continued dedication to workplace safety and health demonstrated by you and your employees at AK Tube LLC in Columbus," said Lori Torres, commissioner for the Indiana Department of Labor. "As a participant in the VPP, you hold a position as an industry leader in workplace safety and health, and serve as a model for what a safety and health management system can be."
"AK Tube's VPP Star designation speaks volumes about the professionalism of our employees in Columbus and their commitment to safety," said James L. Wainscott, AK Steel Chairman, President, and CEO. "We congratulate them for becoming recertified, an achievement that reflects AK Steel's unwavering commitment to safety at all of our plant operations."
AK Steel produces flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steels, primarily for automotive, appliance, construction, and electrical power generation and distribution markets. The company employs about 6000 men and women in Middletown, Mansfield, Coshocton, and Zanesville, Ohio; Butler, Pa.; Ashland, Ky.; Rockport, Ind.; and its corporate headquarters in West Chester, Ohio.
AK Tube LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of AK Steel, employs about 250 men and women in plants in Walbridge, Ohio, and Columbus, Ind. AK Tube produces carbon and stainless electric resistance welded (ERW) tubular steel products for truck, automotive, and other markets.