São Paulo, Brazil– AV Manufacturing (AVM), a subsidiary of CEVA Logistics, a leading global supply chain Management company, has just achieved the ISO 14001 certificate for operating engine sub-assembly for General Motors.

The ISO 14001 is a global standard set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for Environmental management systems, to help organizations reduce their environmental footprint. This accreditation highlights how CEVA has implemented best practice throughout the business to minimize any negative affect its operations may have on the environment.

To obtain this certificate companies are evaluated on their environmental impact which includes, the nature of the operations conducted by the company, the training provided to employees to fulfill environmental goals, an evaluation of vendors’ environmental consciousness and general waste disposal.

In order to comply with the rules demanded by ISO 14001, AVM developed an Environmental Management system (SGA) for the engine operation of General Motors. SGA is a series of work instructions and procedures that guides the company’s activities ensuring that they are focused on upholding environmental responsibilities and minimizing any waste. These points are directly related to city, state and federal laws.

Ruy .W. Nogueira, General Manager of AVM said, “ISO 14001 is a very important achievement for the company, as it recognizes the effort of work conducted internally to seek alternative solutions to minimize the impact of waste generated during our activities. In addition, it shows the involvement of our employees with SGA, which is designed to help them identify actions that contribute to the preservation of the environment.

The certificate is valid for three years; however the company will undergo annual maintenance audits. This achievement which recognizes the environmental management practices of a company’s given operation at a specific location, has lead AVM to set goals to obtain ISO 14001 for its many other operations. This process began in July 2008 and concluded within 11 months.