Republic Engineered Products, Inc., North America's largest producer of special bar quality (SBQ) steel, today announced it has joined a national coalition of automobile manufacturers, steel industry associations and environmental groups to implement the voluntary National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program (NVMSRP).

The NVMSRP program encourages the removal of mercury switches from scrap automobiles before they are crushed or shredded. Steelmakers such as Republic will strongly encourage their scrap suppliers and others in the scrap supply chain to support and participate in mercury switch removal and collection efforts.

Developed in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the NVMSRP program includes involvement from vehicle manufacturers, steelmakers, vehicle dismantlers, vehicle shredders, and the environmental community.

Mercury light switches were used in automobiles for convenience lights (under the hood or in the trunk) and in anti-lock braking systems. Automakers have phased out the use of mercury switches in new vehicles. When retired vehicles are recycled, it is important for vehicle dismantlers to recover and properly dispose of mercury switches.

"Participation in the National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program is another demonstration of Republic's commitment to environmental protection and this program is a natural fit for us," said Jaime Vigil, president and chief executive officer. "We have integrated these practices into our ISO 14001- certified environmental management system, and we are committed to working with all of the program participants to reach the reduction goals established in the NVMSRP including preventing mercury from entering the environment."

Republic Engineered Products, Inc., is North America's leading supplier of special bar quality (SBQ) steel, a highly engineered product used in axles, drive trains, suspensions and other critical components of automobiles, off- highway vehicles and industrial equipment. With headquarters in Fairlawn, Ohio, the company operates steelmaking centers in Canton and Lorain, Ohio, and value-added rolling and finishing facilities in Canton, Lorain and Massillon, Ohio; Lackawanna, N.Y.; Gary, Ind.; and Hamilton, Ontario. Republic employs approximately 2,500 people.

Source: Republic Engineered Products Inc.