SPARTANBURG, S.C., March 22, 2010 – Milliken & Company, a privately-held, technology-based
company serving textile, chemical, and floor covering-markets, has been recognized by the
Ethisphere Institute as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 2010. Out of a record number
of nominations for the award, Milliken secured a hard-earned spot on the list by going the extra
mile, implementing upright business practices and initiatives that are instrumental to the
company’s success, benefit the community, and raise the bar for ethical standards within the
industry.
“Being recognized by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the ‘2010 World’s Most Ethical
Companies’ tops a long list of things in which our associates take great pride,” said Joe Salley,
president & CEO. “Making the list every year since its inception speaks volumes about the
character of our people and long-standing culture of doing the right things the right way.”
This is the fourth year Ethisphere, a think-tank dedicated to the creation, advancement and
sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and
sustainability, has published the WME rankings, which appear in Ethisphere Magazine’s Q1 issue.
Milliken has been listed all four years.
Through in-depth research and a multi-step analysis, Ethisphere reviewed thousands of
nominations from companies in over 100 countries and 36 industries in order to determine the
winners.
A sampling of other winners include Aflac, American Express, Campbell Soup, the Ford Motor
Company, General Electric, Google, L’Oréal, Nike, PepsiCo, Starbucks, T-Mobile USA, UPS, Whole
Foods Market and Xerox.
Milliken’s promotion of a sound ethical environment shines within its industry and shows a
clear understanding that operating under the highest standards for business behavior goes beyond
goodwill and “lip-service” and is intimately linked to performance and profitability,” said Alex
Brigham, Executive Director of the Ethisphere Institute. “This year’s World’s Most Ethical
Companies award was more competitive than ever, because companies realize that making ethics a
priority is critical amidst a tough economic environment.”
Brigham added, “Compliance or ethics failures add up to more than fees, fines and penalties.
The leadership distraction and turnover, forced alteration of a working profit model and heightened
scrutiny that result show: good ethics means better business.”
The methodology for the WME ranking includes reviewing codes of ethics, litigation and
regulatory infraction histories; evaluating the investment in innovation and sustainable business
practices; looking at activities designed to improve corporate citizenship; and studying
nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers.
Read about the methodology and view the complete list of the 2010 World’s Most Ethical
Companies at http://ethisphere.com/wme-2010.
About Milliken & Company
A leading international corporation, Milliken & Company is one of the world’s largest
privately held textile, chemical, and floor covering manufacturers. Headquartered in Spartanburg,
S.C., Milliken is dedicated to building a strong culture of integrity, innovation, and excellence.
Along with being named to the Ethisphere Institute’s listing all four years, Milliken has been
recognized as one of the “17 Safest Companies in America,” and named a FORTUNE “100 Best Companies
to Work For,” five times.
About Ethisphere Institute
The research-based Ethisphere Institute is a leading international think tank dedicated to
the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social
responsibility, anti corruption and sustainability. The Institute’s associated membership group,
the Ethisphere Council, is a forum for business ethics that includes over 200 leading corporations,
universities and institutions. The Ethisphere Council is dedicated to the development and
advancement of individuals on its membership council through increased efficiency, innovation,
tools, mentoring, advice, and unique career opportunities. Ethisphere magazine, which publishes the
globally recognized World’s Most Ethical Companies Ranking™, is the quarterly publication of the
Institute. More information on the Ethisphere Institute, including ranking projects and membership,
can be found at www.ethisphere.com.
Press release courtesy of Milliken & Company
Posted April 6, 2010
