04/06/2026
Hitachi Global Air Power US announced the launch of a five-year initiative to restore a critical woodland ecosystem at the International Friendship Botanic Gardens (FBG) in Pottawattamie Park, IN. The initiative brings together conservation, corporate and community partners to support long-term environmental stewardship, enhance the Gardens’ natural landscape and create a new public experience.
A view of the International Friendship Botanic Gardens and Event Center
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, 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 Connie Gramarossa, LaPorte County Commissioner. “We’re bringing over $370,000 in conservation grants to green infrastructure projects throughout the county – with minimal general fund investment. These projects position LaPorte County as both business-friendly and serious about environmental quality – a reputation that matters when companies decide where to invest and families decide where to live.”
The FBG project focuses on restoring an 8.5-acre parcel of oak-dominated woodland, part of the Lake Michigan coastal ecosystem, eliminating invasive species and strategically managing overgrown native shrubs to allow native wildflowers and oak seedlings to regenerate naturally.
Beyond ecological restoration, the project will develop the area into a regionally recognized Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) destination. Shinrin-Yoku is the Japanese practice of immersive, contemplative connection with forest environments, scientifically linked to reduced stress and enhanced well-being.
The gardens have served as a cultural bridge for nearly a century, and this partnership authentically integrates Japanese concepts like Kyōsei (symbiotic harmony) and Ma (meaningful space) into a restored Midwestern landscape. The project will create a unique, healing experience for visitors while supporting FBG’s pursuit of Old-Growth Forest Network certification.
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 Friendship Botanic Gardens restoration project embodies Hitachi’s long-term sustainability vision: Grow sustainably while contributing to a harmonized society where environment, wellbeing and economic growth are in balance,” said Katrina Saucier, Sustainability Director, Hitachi Global Air Power. “The partnership also 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.”
About Hitachi Global Air Power US
Headquartered in Michigan City, IN, Hitachi Global Air Power US’s compressed air solutions power manufacturing operations all around the globe, from food and beverage to pharmaceuticals and computer chips. As part of Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems, Hitachi Global Air Power operates ISO 9001-certified factories in Michigan City, IN, 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), its machines have provided legendary reliability, durability and performance for more than 60 years. For more information, visit https://www.hitachiglobalairpower.com.
