External Awards

Received “WORLDSTAR 2023”

The packaging stored the included items within the cushioning material

Our inkjet printer peripheral packaging materials have received the "Proper Packaging Award" at the 2022 Japan Packaging Contest and the "WORLDSTAR 2023" at the WORLDSTAR Contest organized by the World Packaging Organization.
The Japan Packaging Contest, organized by the Japan Packaging Technology Association, is the largest contest in the packaging field in Japan, held annually with the aim of developing and disseminating excellent packaging and its technology. This is our company's 17th consecutive win in the contest. The WORLDSTAR Contest is a international prestigious contest whereby only product packaging that has won in national packaging contests are able to participate. The contest evaluates the environmental suitability, economy, originality, and other aspects of packaging materials, and the "WORLDSTAR" is awarded to particularly outstanding works. This award marks our 11th win in a total of 11 years, after a two-year hiatus.

Worldstar Logo

In the packaging of our commercial inkjet peripheral, the "High-Capacity Ink Supply Unit," the challenge was how to store the included items in the shipping box. The included items have various shapes and materials, such as L-shaped members and non-foldable long hoses. In this case, we developed a packaging method that stores the included items inside the cushioning material used for the main unit to prevent the packaging size from becoming bulky due to these included items. As a result, the number of loading tiers in transport containers increased from 2 to 3, improving transport efficiency by 50% and eliminating the need for separate packaging boxes for the included items. Ultimately, we were able to reduce the amount of material used for the packaging by 30%.

Selected as "Great Place To Work" for two consecutive years

Logo

Kyocera Document Solutions America has been selected as a "Great Place To Work" for two consecutive years. This recognition is awarded to companies that provide exceptional employee experiences.
"Great Place to Work" is based on the results of surveys conducted with employees on various themes such as job satisfaction, workplace environment, and company culture. Companies that have achieved high scores in the survey are selected.
This time, 79% of our employees responded that our company is a great workplace. This is a 6-point increase compared to last year, and this result surpasses the average American company by 22%.

Comment from Óscar Sánchez, President, and CEO of Kyocera Document Solutions America:

"It is a great pride for me that our employees once again recognize our company as a workplace where they can truly experience their own value and feel valued. With the unique combination of this family bond, history, culture, and experience, we have been able to emerge as a stronger organization even during this period of significant industry change. The fact that even more employees have rated our company as a favorable workplace this time is truly gratifying."

Selected as “Leading Employer Germany”

Jana Blankenhagen, Head of Human Resources

OPTIMAL SYSTEMS has been selected as a "Leading Employer Germany." This means that we have been chosen as one of the top 1% of employers in Germany.
Leading Employer Germany is one of the most comprehensive surveys regarding employer qualities, evaluating approximately 160,000 companies in Germany. The evaluation criteria include what companies provide to their employees, such as innovation and economic strength, participation and sustainability, job security, and how employee satisfaction is reflected on relevant platforms. The survey also examines the values that companies uphold.

Comment from Jana Blankenhagen, Head of Human Resources at Optimal Systems:

"Companies can purchase the most expensive and cutting-edge technology, but it is still humans who operate it. In order to cater to the preferences and needs of our employees, we conduct comprehensive surveys and audits. We were surprised to be selected as a Leading Employer Germany, but it shows that we are moving in the right direction."

Received the Hirakata City Environmental Award from Hirakata City

Award ceremony

The Hirakata Plant has made significant contributions to raising environmental awareness in the local community through its longstanding and proactive environmental conservation activities. As a result, it received the Hirakata City Environmental Award in February 2023.
Hirakata City holds the annual "Hirakata Eco Forum" to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to local environmental activities. It is a member of the Hirakata City Global Warming Council and regularly participates in the "Adopt Road & River" community cleaning volunteer activity. Furthermore, the 5th plant has implemented renewable energy through the use of solar power generation facilities and various energy-saving initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ongoing efforts are also made to reduce waste. In this recognition, the plant's contribution to reducing plastic waste was particularly acknowledged. This was achieved through the distribution of personal water bottles to employees, aiming to reduce the use of PET bottles, a project initiated by the labor union and the company.

It will take this recognition as encouragement and continue to engage in further environmental conservation activities in the local community as a whole.

Received the Gold Award as an Excellent Safe Driving Facility

Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Safe Driving Facility and Commendation Plaque

The Tamaki Plant has received the Gold Award for the second consecutive year as an excellent safe driving facility from the Mie Prefectural Police Automobile Safety Driving Center.
Due to the limited availability of public transportation in its vicinity, automobiles are the primary mode of transportation for commuting as well as daily life. Therefore, we are committed to promoting safe driving not only for work purposes but also for everyday travel, in order to prevent traffic accidents. This award is a result of the collective efforts of all employees in the plant who have always been mindful of safe driving practices.

We will continue to make every effort to promote safe driving in order to prevent traffic accidents and violations.

*Gold Award Criteria:
- Eligible facility: 20 employees or more
- (Number of employees with traffic violations / Total number of employees) x 100: Less than 2%
- (Number of employees involved in traffic accidents / Total number of employees) x 100: Less than 0.5

Recognized as an ACTION38 Promoting Model Facility

Ceremony for the Presentation of the Designation Certificate for ACTION38 Promoting Model Facility

The Tamaki Plant has been recognized as an "ACTION38 Promoting Model Facility" by the Ise Police Station.
This initiative utilizes promotional stickers that mimic Article 38 of the Road Traffic Act, which specifies the right of way for pedestrians and others. It aims to promote pedestrian protection actions (ACTION) in Mie Prefecture, improve the stopping rate at uncontrolled pedestrian crossings, and strive for zero traffic accidents involving pedestrians. The Tamaki Plant has been the first to be recognized within the jurisdiction of the Ise Police Station, and this news has also been featured in the Chunichi Shimbun newspaper.
According to a survey conducted by JAF in 2022 on the "Stopping Rate of Vehicles at Uncontrolled Pedestrian Crossings," the stop rate in Mie Prefecture (where the Tamaki Plant is located) was 42.9%, surpassing the national average of 39.8%. However, there is still a situation where more than half of the vehicles do not come to a stop.

With the recognition as an ACTION38 Promoting Model Facility, we will further strengthen our efforts towards pedestrian protection and safe driving in the future.

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