May 1, 2008 12:00 PM

International Truck and Engine Corp's Melrose Park engine plant has received the Illinois Governor's Pollution Prevention Award for the 13th time. The award recognizes the plant's efforts to develop a new water-based spray coating that significantly reduces hazardous emissions and also saves the company thousands of dollars.

The project decreased the use of paint by 82 percent, reduced air emissions from the paint process operation by 83 percent, and cut paint sludge waste by 13 percent. In addition, by using fewer solvent-based cleaners, the plant has cut air emissions by two tons, or 56 percent from previous years.

Each year, the governor of Illinois and the state's Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) honor Illinois companies and organizations for their significant achievements in protecting the environment and boosting the economy. Recently, the award was presented to International and 21 other companies.