Six Sigma program participants

A manufacturer of solar-cell ingots and wafers, SANYO Solar (U.S.A.) L.L.C. has introduced a Six Sigma training program for its managers. The training is offered through “SANYO University,” a training system set up by SANYO North America Corporation. The program was developed for the purpose of lowering defect rates while improving service quality and productivity in operation processes. The participants take classes once a week for 16 weeks. A total of 40 managers participated in the program in fiscal 2008. The company will continue the Six Sigma training in fiscal 2009.

Employees involved in the recycling activities

A vendor of electronic components, SANYO Electronic Device (U.S.A.) Corporation is providing support for the annual Creek to Bay Cleanup in San Diego. The company’s employees raise money for this event through the sale of drinks and candies at work, and donate the profits to the event’s NPO sponsor, “I Love A Clean San Diego.” The San Diego office employees also support the cleanup program by collecting and sorting recyclable cans and bottles used in the office, and by delivering them to the NPO. Through these efforts, the company raised about 1,500 USD for the organization.

A distribution services company in North America, SANYO Logistics Corporation began its own recycling program in fiscal 2008. The company collects cardboard boxes and packaging material at its warehouses, while also recovering and sorting waste paper, empty cans and bottles in its offices. The entire management of SANYO Logistics is behind this recycling program, and is taking the lead in the recycling activities.

In order to reduce electrical consumption, the company is also progressively replacing all its warehouse light bulbs with more energy-efficient models.

Separation of waste in warehouse

SANYO Logistics Corporation started offering health and safety training programs to its employees from April 2008. The curriculum and the materials are provided by Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group, a employee insurance broker for SANYO Logistics to educate employee with the prevention of labor accidents in the workplace.  This health and safety training is given through video seminars, has been provided to warehouse, and office personnel.

Beach cleanup

On April 26, 2008, SANYO North America Corporation, a regional corporate office, and three group companies based in the U.S. participated in the 6th Creek to Bay Cleanup in San Diego, California. A total of 52 volunteers, including employees and their family members, joined together with others to clean up the Mission Bay area. This beach cleanup is organized by a San Diego’s NPO, “I Love A Clean San Diego,” which is dedicated to protecting the natural environment of California.

To promote reduction of office waste, the San Diego office of SANYO North America Corporation started the “Let’s Start eneloop Style” campaign in April 2009 to encourage corporate members to gradually replace dry cell batteries with SANYO’s “eneloop” rechargeable batteries. Targeted items are devices used in-house, such as PC mouse, wall clocks, digital cameras, and flashlights.
In addition, the San Diego office recycles rechargeable batteries, mobile phones, and PCs in cooperation with RBRC - Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (NPO). By placing a recycling box inside the office, many used items were collected during the past year, including 20 mobile phones, approximately 100 rechargeable batteries, and 5 computer batteries.

“eneloop” charging station set up in the office	Recycle box placed in the office

SANYO University

To support employees’ efforts to develop their skills and capability, “SANYO University” provides employees with in-house education opportunities. The curriculum offered is given preferential tax treatment from the State of California. In addition, tuition can be fully refunded by the state and any employee based in California is entitled to participate in a course free of cost with the approval of their supervisor.

Scholarship program

On April 16, 2008, a scholarship was granted to a San Diego State University student to support her Japanese language study in Japan. This scholarship program was established by a professor in the Japanese language program of San Diego State University and this year marks the 25th anniversary of the program.
The vice president of SANYO North America Corporation attended the scholarship award ceremony held on the university campus and delivered a congratulatory speech.

SANYO North America Corporation has been proactively donating to “The Institute of Human Virology” since its establishment. “The Institute of Human Virology” is located in Baltimore, Maryland and conducts HIV/AIDS study and medical treatment. A corporate member of SANYO North America Corporation responsible for the commercial equipment department acts as an adviser to this institute together with others who are world-renowned medical specialists.

Donating electric assist bicycles “eneloop bike”

After participating in the “Sustainability Summit” hosted by the State of Oregon, on February 19, 2009, SANYO North America Corporation presented both the State of Oregon and the City of Salem - the state capital of Oregon, with a SANYO electric assist bicycle – “eneloop bike.” These “eneloop bikes” were presented for their test use as a product that personifies the concept of the summit meeting.