Hitachi Global Air Power advances sustainability with woodland restoration partnership

Hitachi Global Air Power US, LLC, announced the launch of a five-year initiative to restore a critical woodland ecosystem at the International Friendship Botanic Gardens (FBG) in Pottawattamie Park, Indiana. 

The $52,000 Five-Year Woodland Understory Restoration Project represents a partnership between the LaPorte County Soil and Water Conservation District (LCSWCD), International Friendship Botanic Gardens, and Hitachi Global Air Power Products. Funding is provided through a $30,000 Clean Water Indiana Grant, with a critical $10,000 match from Hitachi, alongside Hitachi’s long-term maintenance commitment of $12,000 over four years.

“Within a constantly changing global competitive landscape, sustainability is a business advantage,” said Hideki Fujimoto, President and CEO of Hitachi Global Air Power. “The Friendship Botanic Gardens project is part of Hitachi’s comprehensive strategy to achieve net zero carbon emissions, circular transformation, and nature resilience across the value chain by 2050.”
 
This initiative complements Hitachi’s ongoing environmental efforts in Michigan City, including a native plant restoration project announced in April 2025 that will convert a significant portion of the headquarters campus from traditional turf grass into a native prairie habitat, eliminating the need for irrigation in restored areas.

“This project exemplifies the partnership model working across LaPorte County,” said LaPorte County Commissioner Connie Gramarossa. “We’re bringing over $370,000 in conservation grants to green infrastructure projects throughout the county—with minimal general fund investment.”

The intensive Year 1 implementation began in November 2025, with public trails and interpretive signage expected to be completed by summer 2026. The restoration will increase light availability by an estimated 30-40%, activate suppressed seed banks of native spring wildflowers, and create enhanced pollinator corridors throughout the site.

“The partnership strengthens our relationship with Michigan City, where Sullair air compressors have been manufactured for more than 60 years, by creating a vibrant community space and encouraging cultural exchange through the incorporation of Japanese practices,” said Katrina Saucier, Sustainability Director at Hitachi Global Air Power.