Hypertherm Releases 2020 Corporate Social Responsibility Report

Hypertherm, a U.S.-based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software, has released its 2020 Corporate Social Responsibility Report which covers work in the areas of community engagement, environmental impact and associate well-being, the company said. The 2020 report highlights Hypertherm’s response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, initiatives to address social and civil justice and the completion of 10-year environmental sustainability goals.

Hypertherm’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic centers on the priorities of associate well-being, community well-being and business continuity, the company said. Hypertherm reported that nearly 70% of eligible associates volunteered in 2020, serving a combined total of 20,222 hours. The Hypertherm Owners’ Philanthropic Endeavors (HOPE) Foundation created a COVID-19 Community Relief Fund, raising $150,000 from public donors, and quickly distributing to nonprofit organizations seeing a surge in requests from people struggling to meet basic needs. In total, the HOPE Community Relief Fund was able to provide 47 grants in less than 45 days.

In the wake of civil unrest calling for racial justice, Hypertherm reported that its internal Inclusion and Diversity Task Force, established in 2019, grew to more than 50 members last year. These members worked to prioritize key initiatives and produce resources to help all associates feel welcome and included, the company said. Hypertherm also continued its long-standing commitment to building equity and providing employment access through the establishment of Hypertherm as a designated “Approved for GI Bill Use” company through the Department of Labor, collaboration with disability services agencies to build meaningful employment opportunities, and furthered support for those in or seeking recovery from substance use disorders. Externally, the HOPE Foundation made strides in 2020 toward developing and implementing inclusive grantmaking practices which are designed to promote increased equity in our communities. In addition, the Foundation added early childhood as a new strategic priority.

Hypertherm reported progress toward its 2020 environmental goals, noting that it achieved or exceeded five of the eight goals set in 2010. Its products are now 100% recyclable and, on average, 34% more efficient. Its global logistics network is 71% more efficient, its waste-to-landfill rate near zero and the carbon impact of its business is 85% lower. Read the full report here.

“Hypertherm has always been known for our values-based, innovative, and collaborative culture, and the challenges we faced in 2020 brought out the best of these indelible strengths,” said Jenny Levy, Hypertherm’s executive vice-president of people, community, and environment. “We have demonstrated during the past 10 years as we worked to meet audacious environmental sustainability goals that we can and will push past known limits of possibility. In 2020, the global pandemic led to economic and health crises, civil unrest came from ongoing racial injustice, and true environmental impact reduction was needed more than ever. The resilience and compassion our Associates demonstrated in 2020 proved that we can accomplish more together as owners, with our values guiding us, than we ever imagined possible.”