Group companies' activities in fiscal 2009

Propagational bases for coral reefs

Coral bleaching has emerged as an issue due to rising sea water temperatures caused by global warming. Therefore, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Bridge & Steel Structures Engineering Co., Ltd. has been conducting research and pilot projects for the regeneration of coral reefs in Okinawa Prefecture in collaboration with the University of Tokyo and other institutions and companies since 2004.
In the past, the method of transplanting coral grown in a water tank was common. In our joint experiments, however, bases with micro-currents are immersed into tanks. These micro-currents have a significant propagational effect on coral. The company hopes to support the rapid regeneration of coral reefs by promoting the implantation and growth of coral.
Research in 2009 proved that the bases we developed have a five to seven times higher implantation effect compared to existing bases. Looking ahead, we intend to provide this technology to local fishery cooperatives who are working hard to recover coral reefs.

Environmental class

In February 2010, as part of efforts to nurture future generations, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioning & Thermal Systems Corporation conducted environmental classes at the elementary school alma maters of our employees. In the classes, our employees served as instructors and explained the mechanisms of global warming and the latest global warming mitigating technology to 70 fourth-graders.
After the classes, teachers offered such comments as, "The use of charts and demonstrations made the lesson very easy to understand. It was a good opportunity for students to deepen their interest in environmental issues."

Bitter melon green curtains

Once a week in August 2009, Dia Food Service Co., Ltd. offered set meals using bitter melons harvested at Takatsu Ward Office, Kawasaki City at Restaurant Takatsu, which the company operates under contract with the Takatsu Ward office.
The office has installed green curtains using bitter melons as a measure for preventing global warming. Dia Food Service helped promote the green activities of the office by using the bitter melons grown here as an ingredient for set meals. In addition, a ¥5 per set meal was donated to "Eco City Takatsu," Takatsu Ward's environmental action project.

Relief supplies bound for Haiti

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Inc. (MHIA), along with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Inc. in Japan, conducted relief operations valued at ¥10 million for the victims of the earthquakes that first struck Haiti on January 12, 2010.
Civil relief activities were extremely challenging due to the closing of port facilities and to the widespread devastation and turmoil generally.
MHIA, however, cooperated with various NPOs, and took advantage of its own vast resources, including its airplane and aviation-related businesses, enabling the company to charter a large cargo plane and to establish a much needed transportation relief route. MHIA also provided vital lighting towers (powered by MHI-manufactured generators), as well as other crucial supplies and equipment.
It is gratifying to know that the relief supplied by MHIA was put to good use to ease the suffering of earthquake victims and to improve their daily lives.

The company school

Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift Europe B.V. in the Netherlands established a company school that has provided students with job training opportunities since 1997.
The school offers a one-year training curriculum to students free of charge and two dedicated instructors who teach welding, painting, assembling and other skills. There are always about ten students enrolled in the program, and they gain valuable work experience while continuing their academic studies.

Students from a Japanese school on a plant tour

Since 2006, CBC Industrias Pesadas S.A. in Brazil has offered plant tours for students from vocational schools, elementary schools, high schools and universities.
In 2009, the company hosted 20 students from a Japanese school in Sao Paulo as well as a total of 116 students from other schools.