SAUKVILLE -- Charter Steel today announced that its Saukville steel mill has been awarded the prestigious international ISO 50001 certification for its energy management and energy efficiency systems at the Wisconsin-based maker of carbon and alloy steel bar, rod and wire products.

It is the first and only steel mill in the United States to have received this prominent recognition for its efficient and reduced use of energy and the integration of energy management into the company’s overall effort to improve quality and environmental management.

“Energy efficiency is a priority for Charter Steel, and the rigor and discipline needed to achieve this high standard was only possible because of a total team effort from all of our associates at the Saukville plant” said John W. Mellowes, CEO of Charter Manufacturing, the parent company of Charter Steel. “Working with our partners at the U.S. Department of Energy– Better Plants program and the Wisconsin-based Focus on Energy effort, Charter Steel has met the extraordinary challenge of setting a system in place to improve energy performance that will continue well into the next decade. We are honored to have earned this distinction.”

Under the ISO 50001 – Energy Management System standard, organizations must develop policies for more efficient use of energy, set targets and objectives to meet the policy and use data and measurements to see how well the policy works. The standard also calls for continuing efforts to improve energy management.

Mellowes noted this is the third, independent ISO certification that Charter Manufacturing has achieved and said it underscores the company’s commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

“Achieving this important industry milestone sends a strong message to customers, the community, employees and others that the organization has a true commitment to energy management and environmental responsibility,” added Tim Lorge, President of Charter Steel. “With this achievement, Charter Steel has taken a major leap forward and raised the bar on what we can achieve and demonstrated that environmental sustainability and sound business practices can go hand in hand.”

Saukville Village Board President Barbara Dickmann and other Village officials attended a gathering at the facility with employees and company officials to mark the achievement. Dickmann praised Charter and its team for its commitment to the community.

“Charter Steel is a responsible corporate citizen and an important part of our community. I offer my congratulations to its leadership and employees for achieving this significant milestone. It has a direct benefit for our Village, and it’s great to see Charter Steel earn this distinction,” Dickmann said.

Mellowes also thanked Energy Performance Services, a specialized consulting firm that assisted Charter Steel on establishing its ISO plan, and Dekra Business Assurance, the nation’s leading supplier of ISO energy certification programs.

“Achieving this milestone required a commitment from both everyone at Charter Steel and our outside partners, and our success would not have been possible without their combined efforts. We greatly appreciate their hard work and determination to help us be successful,” Mellowes said. “We are one family, and we succeed together. One of our key values is continuous improvement, and helps drive our will to grow.”

Charter Steel is a division of the privately-held Charter Manufacturing and is a leading supplier of carbon and alloy steel bar, rod and wire products with distribution and manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin and Ohio. Capabilities include steel melting, bar and rod rolling, coil processing and wire drawing. As an integrated steelmaker, the company is focused on providing the highest degree of service and quality to its customers.

Focus on Energy information, resources and financial incentives help to implement projects that otherwise would not get completed, or to complete projects sooner than scheduled. Its efforts help Wisconsin businesses and residents manage energy usage, promote in-state economic development, and conserve natural resources.