Ellis Paint Co. was founded in 1887 by the Ellis family in Montana. After moving to Long Beach, Calif., in the early 1930s, its products were targeted at the industrial market. The company grew alongside the expansion of the Southern California market by serving customers like Southern California Edison, the City of Long Beach and McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing). The company was run by the Ellis family and descendants until its purchase by Robert 0. Berg in 1969. Berg, who owns Berg Lacquer Co. (of which Ellis is a part), acquired Pacific Coast Lacquer (PCL), a solvent distribution company, in 1964. Berg combined Ellis and PCL in 1976 when he purchased a West Coast Sherwin Williams plant at 3150 E. Pico Boulevard, which is now the headquarters of Ellis Paint. In the early '80s, Berg tackled the situation of solvent waste generated by his customers with the inception of Ellis/PCL. In 1991, the waste-management activities were spun off into a new company, Pacific Resource Recovery Services. All the companies are now run by Sandra Berg, who was appointed President in 1992.

Sandra Berg is defining the future edge of a specialized manufacturer - superior compliant products and waste management, including sourcereduction services. Sandra Berg strengthened the product line with the purchase of Nelsonite Pool & Deck Coatings.

Environmental Commitment and Resources

Robert Berg made an early commitment to compliant coatings research and development. The development of the PCL System in 1981 helped to move Ellis Paint Co./Pacific Coast Lacquer to the forefront of environmental responsibility. The PCL System was based on the concept that manufacturers are responsible for the waste stream generated as a result of the hazardous materials they use. PCL began to deliver virgin solvents and pick up solvent waste from automotive body shops. The waste solvent was returned to the manufacturing plant, distilled and reused in the paint manufacturing process. The PCL System now services 1,200 Southern California body shops. 250 Northern California body shops and a few industrial accounts. In 1990, the Department of Health Services (now the State of California Environmental Protection Agency Department of Toxic Substances Control), granted Ellis/PCL a permit to operate a TSD under interim status. During the preparation of these applications. Ellis/PCL made the decision to establish a waste recovery and recycling company Pacific Resource Recovery Services (PRRS).

Pacific Resource, like Ellis Paint, is a specialty waste management company focusing on inks and paint-related waste streams, including spent solvents, paint solids, paint chips, rags, rollers and booth filters. Pacific Resources also has training available for effective waste handling/storage and source reduction. As a Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (TSDF), the permit allows for receipt, storage and disposal of all paint and solvent waste streams. PRRS assists not only users of paint, but other manufacturers as well. The group recycles about 95% of the materials received. The paint and solvents with high BTU value are recycled in a supplemental fuel program. All labels are removed from cans and shredded for recycling with other paper products. Metal and aerosol cans are recycled with a local metal recycler. Household paint is separated by color, mixed and then qualified for an anti-graffiti paint program.

The commitment to handle and reduce waste streams is a direct result of a corporate resolution established over a decade ago to meet regulations and to be a leader. The corporate environmental policy is as follows:

"We, the officers and employees, recognize that the manufacturing and use of our products, and the recycling of paint-related waste, without regard to environmental concern, is irresponsible. We pledge to take an active role in protecting the air, water and land in our manufacturing process, product usage and waste recycling. Our commitment is threefold. First, to research and develop products that will meet our customers' needs and be more compatible with the environment and with waste minimization priorities. Second, to exceed the minimum standard set by rules and regulations of the appropriate regulatory agencies. And third, to actively promote our concern for the environment by encouraging and assisting our customers with their environmental issues relating to our products. We believe that environmental responsibility is good business and essential to maintain the quality of life."