Hypertherm releases new CSR Report with updates on community outreach, environmental impact, and Associate well-being

Hypertherm, a U.S. based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software, today announced the release of its 2019 Corporate Social Responsibility Report, marking ten years of reporting in the areas of community engagement, environmental impact, and Associate well-being. The report incorporates United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for the first time, with Hypertherm connecting its work to eight of 17 global goals including goals for zero poverty, good health and well-being, quality education, and climate action. Also, for the first time, the 2019 report lists environmental results following Global Reporting Initiative standards, the most widely adopted global standard for sustainability reporting.

On the community engagement front, Hypertherm reports continued strong participation in its Community Service Time program with 85 percent of Associates volunteering in the community, equal to 2018. That translates to almost 1,300 Associates serving a combined 27,898 hours last year. When it comes to charitable giving, the Hypertherm Owners’ Philanthropic Endeavors (HOPE) Foundation continues to fund nearly 100 organizations annually with special emphasis on two strategic funding areas: SHAPE for STEM and Substance Use Disorders. The SHAPE for STEM program brought nearly 1,000 students from 32 schools through Hypertherm’s doors last year. Work on Substance Use Disorders included Recovery Coach training for 30 people and the addition of an onsite licensed alcohol and drug counselor to support Associates.

Environmental results show a three percent drop in energy consumption compared to prior year, a four percent drop in fleet emissions, and a 16 percent reduction in carbon emissions from outbound logistics. Emissions created by commuting were also lower in 2019, compared to prior year, with Hypertherm estimating its Associates drove 776,000 fewer miles. Waste to landfill also continues to decline with Hypertherm sending 1.24 percent of its waste to a landfill last year, a slight decline compared to 2018. In addition to waste, Hypertherm also recycled less by finding more opportunities to reuse product, leading to a 77 percent increase in its reuse category.

Hypertherm’s safety program recorded a Total Case Incident Rate of 2.5 injuries per 100 Associates. Though well below the national average, the rate is higher than the preceding year’s rate of 1.9 which Hypertherm attributes to a concerted effort to catch ergonomic injuries early when such injuries are more easily treatable and less severe. The Hypertherm Associate Wellness Center is now serving more than 450 Associates, spouses, and dependents, a 7.5 percent increase over prior years. In addition, its team of providers continue to support Associates with other health needs, recording more than 1,500 visits last year.

“Though this report covers our work in 2019, the ongoing events and challenges of 2020 have only increased the need for companies like Hypertherm to do all we can to make the world a better place,” said Jenny Levy, Hypertherm’s vice-president of people, community, and environment. “This most recent report with its direct linkage to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals is part of that commitment as we connect our work to the needs and opportunities of our shared society and planet.”

Hypertherm engineers and manufactures industrial cutting products used by companies around the world to build ships, airplanes, and railcars, construct steel buildings, manufacture heavy equipment, and more. Its products include cutting systems, CNCs, and software trusted for performance and reliability that result in increased productivity and profitability for hundreds of thousands of businesses. Founded in 1968 and based in New Hampshire, Hypertherm is a 100 percent Associate owned company, employing more than 1,800 Associates, with operations and partner representation worldwide. Learn more at www.hypertherm.com.