PRGR Co., Ltd.

Business activities

The planning, development, production and sale of golf equipment-related machinery. The management of golf schools.

Total site area

1,465 m² (within YRC’s main office)

Number of employees

90 (as of December 2021)

Location

5-36-11, Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0004, JAPAN

Contact for consultation and complaints

Customer Service Center Tel: 0120-81-5600 (Toll free number, available only in Japan)

Message from the President

Hiroyoshi Hibino

PRGR exists so that "as many people as possible can experience and realize the fun of golf and the excitement of golf" has been the guiding principle of PRGR since its founding, and it has taken the lead in developing a harmonious and sustainable society through all of its business activities, based on the principles of safety, health and compliance with transparency. We are committed to making a contribution to the golf industry.

First and foremost, we will revitalize the golf industry by providing superior products, services, and playing environments from the customer's perspective, while increasing our corporate value. We will also respect our employees and provide an equal working environment, while at the same time supporting their growth and development while ensuring individual diversity. In our relationships with suppliers, dealers and other business partners, we will take a long-term view and strive to build relationships based on mutual trust and mutual benefit.

Golf is being reevaluated worldwide for its value in maintaining and improving physical fitness, improving people's mindsets, and promoting communication while avoiding the densely populated areas of the Corona Disaster, and the number of young and old players is on the rise.

For the time being, "With Corona (COVID-19)" will continue to work toward the resumption and continuation of business activities in all regions where it conducts business as an environmental contributor, ensuring safety and security and actively promoting the creation of an affluent society.

(Offices)

Headquarters

Location: 5-36-11, Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0004, JAPAN
Tel: +81-3-3436-3341

Hiratsuka Plant

Location: 2-1, Oiwake, Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa 254-8601, JAPAN
Tel: +81-4-6335-9728

(Branches)

South Korean Branch

1F, 634-3, Sinsa-Dong, Kangnam-Gu, Seoul, South Korea

(Directly-Operated Stores)

https://www.prgr-golf.com/en/

PRGR TOKYO HUB Golf School & Studio

i Terrace, Ochiai-Minami-Nagasaki, 4-5-20,Minami-Nagasaki,Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0052, JAPAN
Tel: +81-3-5982-8809

PRGR AKASAKA

B2 Floor, Orix Akasaka 2-Chome Building, 2-9-11, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, JAPAN
Tel: 0120-562-250 (Toll free number, available only in Japan)

PRGR GINZA

1st Floor, SF Ginza Building, 2-11-15, Nishi-Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061, JAPAN
Tel: +81-3-5565-8610

PRGR GINZA EX

3rd Floor, HULIC Ginza 1-chome Gas Lamp Street Building,
1-7-17 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061, JAPAN
Tel: 0120-562-270 (Toll free number, available only in Japan)

PRGR NAGOYA

2nd Floor, Nagoya Tokyo Marine & Nichido Building,
2-20-19, Marunouchi, Nagoya City, Aichi 460-0002, JAPAN
Tel: 0120-562-199 (Toll free number, available only in Japan)

(Management of golf schools)

At our directly-operated stores, in addition to the “Science Fit” system, an analysis program that checks golfers’ swings, we offer lessons for groups and also lessons in golf-round tactics. By scientific means, we support the improvement of golfing skills through a step-by-step approach that incorporates aspects of analysis, improvement and proficiency.

Organizational Governance

In accordance with regulations, decisions regarding the Company’s business policies and other important resolutions are made by meetings of the Board of Directors (which are held as required) and at management meetings (which are held once a month).
As to the system of audit, the Company undergoes regular audits by corporate auditors. Improvements are then implemented accordingly in response to any identified issues. We also work to ensure there are no legal defects or loopholes. Furthermore, with respect to the overseas branch office in South Korea, its audits are carried out by accounting auditors who act in an external capacity.

Compliance measures

Compliance training is conducted monthly and status reports sent to the Corporate Compliance Department of Yokohama Rubber. In addition to heightening the overall compliance consciousness of employees, steps are also taken to disseminate information.

Human Rights

The Company complies with the Yokohama Rubber Group CSR Action Guidelines

Labor Practices

Occupational safety and health

PRGR employees participate in the morning exercises and reciting of the “Safety Chant” that are implemented every morning as part of the company’s labor safety measures; they also attend the ordinary emergency first-aid skill seminars and driver safety seminars conducted by Yokohama Rubber. Workplace environment measurements are conducted regularly at the Hiratsuka Plant.
Additionally, Class 1 Health Officers are assigned by the Company in accordance with the provisions of the Labor Safety and Health Law, and these employees manage the technical matters that pertain to issues of safety.
Concerning the issue of employee overwork, in accordance with the “36 Agreement” regarding overtime and holiday work (drawn up in accordance with the provisions of the Labor Standards Act), in addition to reports being made to monthly management meetings, etc., measures have been put in place whereby overwork cases undergo interviews with industrial physicians.
The Company also implements stress checks in accordance with the requirements of Article 66 of the Industrial Safety and Health Act, which has made 10 types of stress check compulsory.
Reports concerning the status of absenteeism due to illness, etc., are also made to management meetings, and appropriate response measures are then undertaken.
In fiscal 2021, six traffic accidents occurred (six property damage accidents); fortunately, none of these accidents was serious.
As a compliance activity unique to PRGR, the situation regarding “activities to promote zero traffic accidents” is confirmed at monthly sales meetings.
Employees who drive company-owned vehicles are required to take a safe driving course twice a year.

Human resources development

New hires are assigned to work sites after undergoing group training (immediately after joining the Company) and a period of individual training at each of the various headquarters (planning, production and sales). Among our sales positions, in working to improve our sales techniques, we have established a system of qualifications for internal fitters*. Furthermore, employees also participate in golf club sales technician training seminars conducted by the Japan Golf Goods Association.
At Hiratsuka Plant, all participants receive special training with regard to organic solvents.

Internal Fitters: These are club-selection specialists who can select the best clubs for customers based on the use of 1. Ballistic measurement instruments, 2. Grip-speed measurement equipment and 3. Video-based swing analysis.

Diversity of human resources

We have employed four disabled persons.
We have also re-employed three former employees.

The Environment

Environmental management

Our environmental activities are conducted in accordance with the environmental policies of the Yokohama Rubber Head Office.

Environmental data

Move the screen to the left or right to see the table information

Category	FY 2017	FY 2018	FY 2019	FY 2020	FY 2021
Electrical power usage KWh	169,951	181,417	168,163	150,272	163,574
Electrical power usage (values calculated in barrels of oil equivalent) KL	43.7	46.7	43.3	38.7	42.1
Greenhouse gas emissions (t-CO₂)	83.1	86.6	78.8	68.6	72.6

FY: January to December
Greenhouse gas emissions were calculated based on the Calculation and Reporting Manual for Greenhouse Gas Emissions jointly published by the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan.

Reductions in electrical power usage

Measures to reduce (year-on-year) electrical power usage are being implemented at five of our directly-operated stores.

Lighting in unused spaces is turned off outside business hours.
Depending on the space, air conditioners are turned off and temperature settings established.
Temperature settings are raised when the golf school is not open; however, the increase was due to the implementation of appropriate ventilation for COVID-19 infection prevention measures.

Reductions in CO₂ gas emissions

CO₂ emissions were reduced by eliminating transportation from the assembly plant by conducting same-day club assembly and delivery at the event site.
As a result, CO₂ emissions increased by 4.0tCO₂ due to increased activities compared to last year.

Green procurement measures

In the golf industry, there are no clear standards or regulations with respect to the usage of hazardous substances. At PRGR, as a member of the Yokohama Rubber Group, through reducing the usage of substances that place a burden on the environment, we are working on measures that will lead the industry.
For example, with respect to swing-balance weights and the paints used with golf clubs, etc., some up until now have contained lead. Recognizing the burden placed on the environment by the disposal of such clubs, through a revision of materials and ingredients, etc. used in production, we have been able to greatly reduce our use of lead. Furthermore, with respect to the wax molding dies used when producing golf club heads, we have been proactively working to eliminate their lead content.
In the future as well, with respect to components, production processes and the products themselves, etc., in all areas from the manufacturing of products through to disposal, we shall continue to be proactive in confronting issues so as to reduce the burden placed on the environment.

Fair Operating Practices

Credibility with our business partners

In undertaking their business activities in a manner that is fair, the Company’s departments comply with the relevant laws. The duties of the purchasing department are undertaken in accordance with the provisions of the “Act against Delay in Payment of Subcontract Proceeds, Etc., to Subcontractors,” while the sales department acts in accordance with the “Act on Prohibition of Private Monopolization and Maintenance of Fair Trade”. Meanwhile, the planning and development department observes the provisions of the “Act Against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations”.
We comply with the Fair Competition Code for Sporting Goods and ensure that giveaways are provided and labeled properly.

Consumer Issues

Quality policy

In accordance with the Yokohama Rubber Basic Policy which states; “Deliver the best products at competitive prices and on time,” by continuing our efforts to satisfy customers throughout the world with high-quality products whose usage offers both safety and peace-of mind, the Company shall contribute to both humanity and society.
Concerning all products provided to customers, while we will continue to satisfy quality management system requirements such as those stated through “customer requirements,” “applicable laws and regulations” and “product quality manuals,” we shall constantly strive to improve as we aim to achieve even better systems.
Quality targets shall be established within each Company department so as to realize this policy, and, in addition to thoroughly implementing the targets within each department, a review process shall improve the quality of the operations conducted with respect to product planning, design, production and sales. Through such measures we shall secure suitable returns by which we shall work to further develop the Company.
The quality policy shall be thoroughly made known to all related officers and employees of the Company.

Safety and quality of our products and services

As part of a strategy set out by the Japan Golf Goods Association, by labeling our products with a common seal used as an anti-counterfeit measure for all golf clubs, the Company is working to prevent fraud.
Furthermore, by using a serial number that allows for a warranty of two years after a customer purchase, we are tracking our products from their manufacture through to shipment.
We have established a toll-free telephone number within Japan to handle customer inquiries.