The NSG Group aims to ensure that its worldwide operations play a responsible and responsive role in the local communities in which it operates.

NSG Group’s Approach to Local Communities

Having a close relationship with the communities in which it operates, the NSG Group conducts its glass business in 27 countries worldwide, as a global company. Therefore, it is very important for the Group’s business activities to be in harmony with regional communities and contribute to their development as a good corporate citizen.

In Japan, the Group engages in educational support and environmental protection activities through glass manufacturing, as well as the promotion of social welfare and regional volunteer activities by its employees. Overseas, the NSG Group implements various activities, mainly at Pilkington’s business bases, throughout the year in response to each region’s needs.

With the aim of passing on its monozukuri spirit to the next-generation researchers, the NSG Group established the Nippon Sheet Glass Foundation for Materials Science and Engineering in 1979 to support the development of the study and technology of inorganic materials such as glass and ceramics. The Group’s global-scale research subsidies have totaled approximately ¥1,100 million for 788 research activities over the last 29 years.

2007 marked the 20th anniversary of Pilkington Automotive’s sponsorship of the UK Royal College of Art Vehicle Design Award. The 2007 “Best Design Interpretation” award for the use of glazing was won by Teresa Mendeza from Italy.

Adoption of Nature

Near NSG Group’s major business base in Japan, Maizuru Plant (Maizuru City, Kyoto), there are cherry trees planted by its employees around 1959, and they are now one of the most popular sightseeing spots-a row of cherry trees lining Oba Kaido Avenue. Since 1987, NSG Group has conducted beautification activities along this avenue several times a year, and in fiscal 2004, the Group registered itself in the Adoption Program organized by Maizuru City, broadening the area of its beautification activities. The Adoption Program was established for the purpose of taking responsibility to look after public places, almost like adopting a child, and it originated in Texas, the United States, where littering on public highways has become a serious issue. In addition to beautification activities, NSG Group launched an organization to protect cherry trees along Oba Kaido Avenue. With the cooperation of the local government, the Group eradicates weeds along the avenue with volunteer employees, developing nature protection activities in the Oba region as a member of regional community.

Social Contribution Activities Worldwide

Pilkington Group Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary, implements various social contribution activities in areas such as education, art, welfare, employment and urban redevelopment at each business base. The total expenditure for social contribution activities in fiscal 2007 was £300,000.

In Argentina, for example, approximately 100 Group employees and their family members have volunteered to carry out building repair work at local schools since 2001. In São Paulo, Brazil, the local business has since 2006 sponsored Agam, a social service institution dedicated to children. In Poland, the local operation has for the past 10 years supported an international music festival in the city of Sandomierz, where the Group has important operations. This local festival promotes a range of musical styles and also provides a platform for new talent.

 

CSR Report 2007