MICHIGAN CITY, IND. (April 22, 2025) – Hitachi Global Air Power US, LLC, an industry leader in innovative compressed air solutions, announced the launch of a native plant restoration project at the company’s Michigan City, Indiana headquarters. The project will convert a significant portion of the headquarter campus from traditional turf grass into a native prairie habitat underscoring the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
The restoration project will span five years and transform nearly seven acres of lawn into a prairie ecosystem. The largest transformation will occur in year one, when 85 percent of the turf will be converted. The remaining 15 percent will be phased in over the following years. Areas where turf must remain for functional reasons will be replanted with low-maintenance grass species that require no mowing or irrigation.
In addition to reducing approximately 94 percent of emissions associated with lawn maintenance, the project is expected to dramatically lower water usage across the property – eliminating the need for irrigation in restored areas.
This project aligns with all three of Hitachi Global Air Power's core environmental goals: decarbonization by reducing emissions from mowing, resource efficiency by reducing water consumption for irrigation, and harmonization with nature through habitat restoration for pollinators and improved water absorption with deeply rooted native species,
said Katrina Saucier, Director of Sustainability for Hitachi Global Air Power. This initiative demonstrates how Hitachi Global Air Power is embracing an innovative approach, using nature as a roadmap for sustainability.
This project is made possible through a partnership between Hitachi Global Air Power and the LaPorte County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), with partial funding provided through the Clean Water Indiana grant program. The grant covers professional expertise from a County Conservationist, assistance with managing invasive species, and 75% of the native plant and seed costs. Hitachi Global Air Power will fund all remaining project expenses.
The project reflects strong collaboration with local conservation and environmental leaders. The pollinator habitat establishment project at Hitachi Global Air Power in Michigan City is exactly the kind of bold environmental leadership we need right now,
added Paul Vicari, County Conservationist & Stormwater Management Department Director at LaPorte County SWCD. What makes this initiative so exciting is how it brings together the sound science of ecological restoration with real-world impact. By embracing native plants at this scale, Hitachi Global Air Power is showing how businesses can make a genuine difference - not just in theory, but in creating lasting positive change for our local ecosystems and communities.
Work is set to begin this month with application of herbicide to remove the existing turf, making way for native seeding. Over the summer, project areas will be closely monitored to prevent the spread of invasive species. A second seeding – along with the introduction of native trees to further enhance biodiversity – is scheduled for 2026. The project is expected to reach full sustainability and maturity by 2030.
Hitachi Global Air Power gratefully acknowledges the many partners supporting this project, including:
- The staff of LaPorte County SWCD, its Board of Supervisors and its many summer interns, support partners, participants, and volunteers
- Clean Water Indiana, the Indiana State Soil Conservation Board, and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture
- Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation District
- LaPorte County Board of Commissioners, including Commission President Connie Gramarossa who actively support and promote these types of projects in LaPorte County
Hitachi Global Air Power’s sustainability efforts align with Hitachi, Ltd.’s long-term environmental target of achieving carbon neutrality throughout its entire value chain by fiscal 2050.
About Hitachi Global Air Power US, LLC
We build the machines that power industry. We are Hitachi Global Air Power, a leading global industrial compressed air manufacturer. Headquartered in Michigan City, Indiana, our compressed air solutions power manufacturing operations all around the globe; from food and beverage, to pharmaceuticals and computer chips. Our portable compressors provide the air power to build roads and bridges, lay pipelines and aid in oil and gas mining and production.
As part of Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd., Hitachi Global Air Power operates ISO 9001 certified factories in Michigan City, Indiana and Suzhou, China, and sales offices strategically located in Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia, and South and Latin America. Through brands Hitachi, Sullair, and Champion (Australia), our machines have provided legendary reliability, durability, and performance for more than 60 years.
Our global network of engineering and quality experts are building next generation, highly efficient and environment-forward compressed air solutions in direct response to customer need.
Hitachi Global Air Power website
www.hitachiglobalairpower.com
About Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.
Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems enhances productivity across various industries — including data centers, batteries, electronics and semiconductors and pharmaceuticals — through high-efficiency products such as compressed air systems, grid edge solutions, drives and coding and marking equipment. Our innovative solutions and services integrate digital technology to drive customer success and contribute to a more sustainable society. We support customers throughout the entire product lifecycle, from maintenance to recycling. For more information on Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems, please visit https://www.hitachi-ies.com/
About Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers' and society's challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the 3 business sectors of “Digital Systems & Services” – supporting our customers’ digital transformation; “Green Energy & Mobility” – contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and “Connective Industries” – connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company’s revenues as 3 sectors for fiscal year 2023 (ended March 31, 2024) totaled 8,564.3 billion yen, with 573 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 270,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at https://www.hitachi.com.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Ohlinger
Hitachi Global Air Power US, LLC
219-210-0995
jennifer.ohlinger@hitachiglobalairpower.com
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