Fairfield, New Jersey-based Middle Atlantic Products obtained ISO 14001 certification for its Environmental Management Systems in October 2010.  But certification from an internationally recognized standards organization is only a piece of the environmental picture at this successful, inspiring AV manufacturer.

Middle Atlantic Products, founded by Bob Schluter, manufactures AV racks and other system support and protection products, including custom furniture.   All products are manufactured on-site at Middle Atlantic facilities.  As Founder and Chief Engineer of Middle Atlantic Products, Bob is a Green AV pioneer who has built energy and material conservation into manufacturing processes and business practices since he started the company in 1979.

For Middle Atlantic, ISO 14001 is "a management tool that allows [the company] to identify and control the environmental impact of its activities, products and services and continually improve its environmental performance."  According to Bob, ISO 14001 is "a system of checks to say 'where can we take this next year' to set goals and continue to improve."  ISO 14001 certification fits in with the Middle Atlantic approach to business as a constant process of improving operations, systems, environmental responsibility, practices and products. 

More than simply a certification that lets potential customers and colleagues know that Middle Atlantic takes a responsible approach to environmental and energy management, ISO 14001 is an internal management tool that promotes best practices across the spectrum of the company’s operations, from manufacturing; to waste disposal (the company participates in a Waste to Energy Program); to lighting; to water usage and packaging. Bob explains that ISO "allows [the company] to focus on where we can become more efficient to reduce our impact on the environment and save money."   Bob describes the ISO certification process and the company’s environmental management objectives as an exercise in thinking beyond immediate ROI. 
Using the ISO 14001 certification as a management tool prompted Middle Atlantic to change the Fairfield facility’s lighting system from HID lamps to fluorescent lamps, twice; upgrading from the previous less efficient fluorescent lamp ballasts to more efficient ballasts just recently.  Since starting the ISO 14001 certification process, Middle Atlantic reduced its kilowatt energy consumption by 38%. 

Middle Atlantic products are made from 70-75% recycled steel.  Engineers redesigned products resulting in a 78,000 pound reduction in steel usage in 2010 over the previous year, saving energy and lowering the amount of fuel needed to deliver products. 

Touring the Middle Atlantic manufacturing facility in Fairfield, NJ is impressive at every turn and an example of responsible, efficient manufacturing at its best.  It typifies the efficient manufacturing processes with built in systems to reduce waste, reuse materials and limit energy consumption, all key to Green AV.   Middle Atlantic’s on-site finishing process re-circulates unused powder for use on new products.  A redesign of the paint line process resulted in a 25% reduction of water usage.  Water used at other phases of the manufacturing process is cycled through the facility and re-used; an efficient system circulates heat throughout the manufacturing facility to conserve energy and run machines.  Efficiency and ingenuity are present in every phase of the manufacturing process at the facility that produces components and end-user products. 
The manufacturing facility is like Middle Atlantic's own ecosystem: self contained, in many ways self sustaining, productive and efficient.  The facility is a testament to Bob Schluter’s vision and success, and a new standard for creative, smart Green AV business practices.

Middle Atlantic’s products are Green AV standouts, designed to be energy efficient for the end user.  The company’s family of UPS products has unique circuitry to function efficiently.  The company manufactures  thermostatically controlled fans like the C5 Credenza Rack and the standalone FC Series Proportional Speed Fan Control unit, that operate fans at different speeds based on rack temperature to save energy. 

Recognizing the importance of limiting energy consumption and promoting usability, Middle Atlantic manufactures a variety of AV rack enclosures that promote healthy air flow through equipment for active and passive thermal management and energy efficiency.   To allow for efficient system operation, Middle Atlantic built an online calculator for “system designers to prevent over-sizing of cooling systems in AV installs.”

When it comes time for packaging and transport, Middle Atlantic uses 90% post consumer corrugated packaging.  This year, Middle Atlantic is extending its Green goals to transportation with plans to contract only with those trucking and freighting companies that participate in the EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partners Program.

The key to Middle Atlantic's approach to environmental responsibility is that the company takes a holistic approach to energy consumption, energy and materials management, manufacturing and business practices.  Middle Atlantic's systematic approach allows the company whose Fairfield facility alone employs nearly 500 people, to set and achieve environmental goals at all levels, including facility management, manufacturing and the environmental impact of employees at work and at home. 

The company offers ongoing, daily electronics recycling and safe chemical disposal opportunities, encouraging employees to bring in used electronic equipment, paint and thinner which Middle Atlantic recycles and disposes of properly and safely, free of charge.

The scope of Middle Atlantic’s Green efforts provides a model for AV manufacturers and the industry at large.  Middle Atlantic’s commitment to setting and achieving environmental goals through creativity, foresight and technical expertise sets a new standard for Green AV.