Hutchinson Sealing Systems Welcomed Into TDEC'S Green Star Partnership

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has welcomed Hutchinson Sealing Systems of Church Hill as the newest member of the Tennessee Green Star Partnership.

The Tennessee Green Star Partnership is a voluntary environmental leadership program that recognizes manufacturers across the state committed to sustainability and exhibiting continuous improvement in their operations. The program includes only about 70 facilities statewide, setting a high bar for environmental excellence.

Hutchinson Sealing Systems, a Tier 1 automotive supplier, has been a part of the Tennessee manufacturing community since 1990. The company manufactures sealing systems for several major automotive manufacturers, including Nissan, Daimler, Stellantis, and GM. The company operates a 166,000 square foot production facility that employs approximately 160 people and serves as an important contributor to automaker supply chains.

"Hutchinson Sealing Systems is more than worthy of membership in this exclusive program," said TDEC Commissioner David Salyers. "The company goes above and beyond what would be expected in sustainability, reducing energy demand and involving employees in the process. Its commitment is impressive."

Hutchinson has demonstrated a strong commitment to reducing its environmental footprint through a series of significant sustainability achievements, starting with the attainment of ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 certifications.

To further strengthen energy efficiency, the facility implemented two key measures. A real time compressed air modulation system optimizes compressor performance and reduces energy demand charges, while strategically placed sensors monitor real time consumption of compressed air, natural gas, and electricity. This information is prominently displayed on the production floor in both units and dollars, empowering employees to make informed decisions that improve efficiency. These initiatives, combined with other measures, enabled the facility to meet or surpass its 2025 reduction targets of 5% in electricity, 10% in natural gas, and 30% in water.

In addition to the pollution prevention measures, the facility has expanded its recycling capabilities by establishing outlets for hard to recycle automotive glass and rubber. Hutchinson has also reduced its regulatory impacts by obtaining an industrial stormwater No Exposure Certification in 2021, lowering air emissions to transition from a Title V to a Conditional Major source in 2025 and shifting from a large quantity to a small quantity hazardous waste generator in 2023.

To qualify for membership in the Tennessee Green Star Partnership, manufacturers must operate under ISO 14001 certification or maintain an environmental management system that aligns with ISO 14001 principles. It must also demonstrate a minimum of three consecutive years of exemplary environmental compliance with TDEC, and it must have a clear commitment to continuous operational improvement.

More information on the Tennessee Green Star Partnership can be found online.