Equal employment opportunity

YTMV is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for people who are interested in working for the company. We implement an equal employment opportunity (EEO) policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment.
In 2023, the Human Resources Department organized training by interview for all managers and employees regarding employment in accordance with the requirements of employment legislation.
The training addressed issues including the areas to which equal opportunity legislation applies (including race, gender, religious beliefs, age, etc.), as well as physical and mental disability, and the utilization of company provided accommodation, etc. The training was successful in strengthening employees’ understanding of such issues.
We will listen to employees’ views regarding ideas for improving employment interviews, to strengthen the relationship between the company and its employees.

Safety and health

Safety has always been and always will be our top priority at YTMV! In fiscal 2023, positive results were reflected through active initiatives that included, but not limited to:

• Daily safety talks with all employees
• New hire training and regular follow up sessions
• Training during workplace transfers
• Training for external contractors
• Emergency contact training for use during incidents
• Emergency transport training for use during incidents
• PIT (vehicle) training
• Lockout/Tag out training
• Thirty-hour OSHA mandated training
• Environmental management training
• Everyday kiken yochi (KY) and training upon the commencement of operations.

In addition to the types of education and training mentioned, concerning both YTMV’s business units and all the various processes in which they engage, we are always promoting improvements with respect to our equipment and facilities, all of which have been equipped with protective and safety devices. Concerning the personal protective equipment that is issued to all employees, it is always kept in a ready state so that it can be used immediately. Additionally, both its wearing and usage is actively promoted and managed. Whereby accidents occur, thorough investigations are conducted, and various forms of response are suggested and then executed, with subsequent follow-ups also undertaken.
More than anything else, it is important to us that our employees are able to return home safely after completing their work.

Emergency response

Emergency response vehicles are available 24 hours a day in order to respond to various medical emergencies that may occur in the workplace. The company has also organized a highly-skilled emergency rescue team with 24 team members, who have received training in order to be able to respond to a variety of situations including rescues from narrow spaces and heights. We conduct regular drills for responding to fires and emergencies as part of raising awareness among all employees.

Recycling of waste

YTMV continues to maintain an established system for recycling throughout the facility in an effort to capture paper, aluminum cans, bottles and cardboard in all common areas.
In recent years, YTMV has been able to expand recycling of materials such as discarded super sacks and label backing. Going forward in 2024, YTMV will continue to focus on maintaining secondary outlets for recyclable materials due growing volatility in the recycling market. Having reliable outlets helps YTMV maintain zero waste to landfill.

YOKOHAMA Forever Forest Activities

In 2023, in collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation, YTMV donated another 1000 longleaf and shortleaf pine trees in Georgia. These trees will be planted across a mix of public and private lands by utilizing reforestation and urban forestry to solve issues of climate change, community and biodiversity.

Environmental data

Waste Reduction: YTMV continues to strive and reduce the amount of waste generated from all streams. Scrap production waste is a daily focused item for all departments and with the help and support of our Maintenance and Engineering teams, has continued to decrease.

Landfill Waste: YTMV continues to dispose of all waste streams through non-landfill sites. Methods utilized consist of recycling with local vendors, fuel blending reuse options along with waste-to-energy treatment facilities.

GHG Emissions: 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 and has been based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Initiative.

Water Usage: YTMV continues to evaluate water usage on a daily basis and reacts accordingly when usage becomes abnormal. In fiscal 2023, preventative management projects on cooling towers and water lines were initiated and continue into fiscal 2024.

• FY: January to December
• Greenhouse gas emissions were calculated based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Initiative.

Wastewater management

Biodiversity conservation activities

Bluebird conservation activities

Beginning in 2015, YTMV implemented a blue bird trail consisting of five nest boxes throughout the property with the intent to help protect the breeding of the Sialia sialis (Eastern bluebirds). Each year, the nest boxes are maintained and monitored to continue the growth of our native blue bird. Many baby bluebirds were born and left the nest box this year.

Environmental measures

Virginia Environmental Excellence Program (VEEP)

The Virginia Environmental Excellence Program (VEEP) is a program launched by the Commonwealth of Virginia (the Virginia state government) to encourage facilities located within Virginia to make environmental improvements that go beyond the minimum statutory requirements. YTMV continues to remain at the highest level that a business enterprise can attain under VEEP, that of an E4 (Extraordinary Environmental Enterprise).
Benefits of having an E4 status include an enhanced profile within the local community, reduced handling charges for special permits, and regulatory incentives, etc.

Chemical substance management

All materials used within the plant are in compliance with Yokohama Rubber’s list of prohibited chemical substances and in line with the Green Procurement Guidelines.
Safety data sheets (SDS) are continuously maintained for each material; and updated using the web system (Sphera/Sitehawk).

Customer visits

The company has systems fully in place to welcome visits from customers at any time.

Community interaction and volunteering activities

In the fall of fiscal 2023, YTMV launched a new Volunteer Time Off – a new policy encouraging employees to use paid time to serve the community. During Quarter 4, the “Community Outreach Committee” was able to host two opportunities: a river/greenway cleanup and a distribution of Christmas gifts through the local Salvation Army. Both of these events were a huge success, not only benefiting the community but touching the employees who participated as well.