Little Known Facts About The Subaru Plant Where New Outback And Ascent Are Made

Studies show consumers want to buy from companies that design and build environmentally conscious products and car shoppers are no different. But what about the factories where the cars are made? Environmental friendliness is not new for the plant where they make the 2020 Subaru Outback, Ascent, Legacy, and Impreza. Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) was the first automotive assembly plant (2004) in America designated as a zero-landfill manufacturing facility.

What does that mean for the environment? The U.S. plant produces zero waste that would otherwise go into landfills. The plant also has an impact on wildlife in the area around Lafayette, Indiana. In 2003, SIA was also designated a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation for the blue heron, snapping turtles, coyote, white-tailed deer, and bald eagles.

Subaru makes Outback and Ascent SUVs in Indiana

The Subaru plant employs a number of techniques to prepare its waste for reuse or recycling, such as separating food waste for composting and sending the dust produced from weld slag to a recycling facility where copper and other metals are reclaimed. Subaru says since 2000, they’ve reduced waste per unit by 55 percent. Subaru is an expert at reducing its environmental footprint and they are even helping other organizations do it.

Four years ago, Subaru began sharing its knowledge of zero landfill practices with the National Park Service. This was an effort to help reduce landfill waste from the parks. Subaru partnered with the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and began testing zero-landfill practices in three iconic national parks, Yosemite, Grand Teton, and Denali.

Subaru donated Outback wagons for park use

Subaru donated Outback vehicles for use at four of America’s national parks. Subaru also promoted a fee-free day at the parks on National Public Lands Day. Subaru has been a partner of NPF since 2013 and donated nearly $3 million through its annual “Share the Love” campaign.

At a time when the world is a scary place, it’s good to know Subaru is not making it worse than it already is. Its multi-purpose SUVs like the 2020 Subaru Outback and Ascent SUVs are built at a zero-landfill plant. The blue heron, snapping turtles, coyote, white-tailed deer and bald eagles are happy they live in the plant's backyard.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his reports are archived on our Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Subaru Report. Check back tomorrow for more Subaru news and updates at Torque News!

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Photo credit: Subaru