Social Contribution Activities

We develop and sell automated warehouses that transport and store items in high-rise racks without manual labor. These products are capable of handling items in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and they can also be installed in specialized environments, including frozen storage, high-temperature areas, explosion-proof zones, and oil-resistant settings. In addition to addressing labor shortages in logistics and production sites, the installation of our products—particularly in environments such as freezer warehouses below -20°C and hazardous materials storage—also helps reduce manual work in harsh and dangerous conditions, leading to improved productivity and better working environments.

Daifuku developed the Shower Hopper, Japan’s first automated internal washing system for waste collection vehicles. The interiors of waste collection vehicles are typically cleaned once daily after use; this work was previously performed manually, but labor shortages and work style reforms have brought about a growing need for automation. In addition, this type of manual work has both safety and hygiene issues. Daifuku is therefore utilizing the cleaning and automation technologies we have cultivated through car wash machine development, and by automating the cleaning of areas such as the inlet port and the rear loading apparatus, we are contributing to workload reduction, improved cleaning capabilities, and reduced water consumption.

We conduct surveys and collection of floating macro-debris, including plastic waste. Plastic waste is a major issue in the environmental conservation of Shiga Prefecture, where Daifuku's main factory is located. We will invest in solutions to local community issues, reduce the burden of labor-intensive river debris collection work, accelerate surveys and collection in accordance with Ministry of the Environment guidelines, and aim to realize effective solutions and transition to sustainable operations.

Each year, employees from Shiga Works take part in a community activity together with local residents, companies, and environmental conservation groups to clip reeds surrounding Lake Biwa. It is essential to trim the overgrown reeds every winter to protect the reed beds, which play an important role in preserving the ecosystem and water health of Lake Biwa. The reed clippings are then used as raw materials for paper products.

Shiga Works, the Group's main plant, covers a vast area of over 1.2 million square meters. More than 1,000 native species inhabit the premises, and among them, over 70 endangered and rare species having been identified. To protect this rich natural environment, we are working on the Yui Project, a biodiversity conservation initiative that connects people with nature, water with greenery, and people with people. As part of the Yui Project, we have established Yui no Mori, an area comprised of conservation ponds, learning centers, and more. The area is used to protect endangered and rare species identified within the Shiga Works premises and to provide opportunities for environmental learning and interaction within and outside the company. Activities through this project are not limited to environmental conservation within the premises, but also contribute to the conservation of ecosystems in surrounding areas through the formation of a natural environment network.

Beginning in fiscal 2019, Shiga Works launched the Regional Revitalization Team Project to promote interaction between employees and the local community. In fiscal 2024, donation boxes made by employees were installed in each cafeteria, donations were made to a social welfare organization in Hino Town, Shiga Prefecture, and sales and tasting events by local vendors were held in conjunction with walking events during lunch breaks at Shiga Works.

Shakunage-gunraku, also known as Rhododendron Gorge, is a nationally designated Natural Monument located near Shiga Works. Since 2005, Daifuku has participated cleanup events organized by the Hino Tourism Association in April before peak season. In addition, we have been participating in the Omi Eco-Foster System promoted by Shiga Prefecture since 2001, cleaning up national roads around Shiga Works. In fiscal 2024, events were held 12 times with a total of 111 participants.
The Tokyo Head Office also participates in annual volunteer raking of fallen leaves at the Kyu Shiba Rikyu Gardens, which is located nearby the office building, together with other neighboring corporations as part of our annual community contribution activities.

Daifuku has established an agreement with Hino Town, Shiga Prefecture, to accommodate local residents in the event of evacuation resulting from a disaster. This agreement was broached after local residents requested that we provide Shiga Works as an evacuation site in the event of an emergency. After conducting a simulation of receiving evacuees and confirming the contents of the agreement with other companies near Shiga Works, we decided to enter into the agreement in the interest of social contribution.

In fiscal 2023, we gave a visiting lecture at an elementary school in Shiga Prefecture, where one of our facilities is located. This lecture was part of a project launched in 2023 by Shiga Prefecture and in cooperation with corporations and other organizations to create opportunities for diverse experiences for children. As a model project, we introduced local children to our biodiversity conservation activities, including the dragonflies that inhabit the Shiga Works premises.

We have been accepting educational field trips at Hini Arata Kan, our demo center within Shiga Works, since fiscal 2014. We have designed a tour program for students in 5th grade of elementary school or above that follows the content of government curriculum guidelines. In this program, the students deepen their understanding of factory production and information society through the world of material handling. In addition to viewing the demo systems, the students can also enjoy learning through a variety of activities, such as watching videos made specifically for elementary school students, comparing the speeds of the demo systems, and more. In fiscal 2024, around 450 students from six elementary schools participated in these field trips.

Since fiscal 2015, we have been holding etiquette training led by Hini Arata Kan staff members. As advance preparation for the workplace experience training implemented at public junior high schools in Shiga Prefecture (Junior High School Student Challenge Week), students receive training with demonstrations in business etiquette such as how to greet politely and answer the phone. In fiscal 2024, 1,119 students from eight junior high schools (34 classes) participated in these training sessions. This training is also offered for local university students, teaching staff, and administrative staff.

Lectures are given to university students as an opportunity to familiarize them with Daifuku's material handling business. In the lectures, we explain what material handling is as well as its history. We are continuing to hold these lectures in an effort to spark interest and deepen understanding through case studies of installed solutions, ultimately helping to cultivate human resources for the future material handling industry. In fiscal 2024, a total of seven lectures were given at six universities.

Since 2017, we have been participating in a food-based social contribution program operated by the specified non-profit organization Table for Two International. We donate 20 yen for every lunch served at the restaurant in Hini Arata Kan, which is equivalent to one school meal for children in developing countries. In fiscal 2024, we donated a total of 67,280 yen.