Bridging Work and Play, Mitsubishi’s Growing Business and Community

SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT

Bridging Work and Play, Mitsubishi's Growing Business and Community

By Natalie diSanto

April 22, 2025

Headquartered near Pittsburgh, Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc., supports our nation’s power systems, and more, with electrical and electronic products, systems, solutions, and services. Mitsubishi recently announced the construction of an energy facility in Beaver County, just outside of Pittsburgh, marking their first new manufacturing plant in over a decade. Aiming to complete construction by summer 2026, this plant has a goal to be a net zero facility. “It will run entirely on electric power and will help the company transition from producing gas-insulated circuit breakers to more sustainable vacuum breakers,” commented Susan Renda, VP of HR and Administration.

For Mitsubishi, engaging in their local communities is just as important as progress towards their sustainability goals. In 1991, they founded the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation with a mission to support grant programs and employee volunteer programs focused on empowerment and productivity for all youth, including those with disabilities. Some of this supported programming includes Science Buddies and The Fabricators and Manufacturer’s Association Inclusive Nuts and Bolts Camps – both programs with a focus on STEM learning and careers for all students teaching children practical skills that can develop into careers in manufacturing.

Employee Volunteerism at the Center of Social Impact Work

Mitsubishi engages employees through their formalized initiative called Mitsubishi Electric Organized Volunteer Efforts or MOVE. Employees are encouraged to be on the “MOVE” as volunteers, donating their time and talent to make positive changes in their communities across the nation. MOVE supports volunteer engagement efforts by providing training, recognition, and matching grant funds for volunteer activities.

In Pittsburgh, MOVE recently partnered with The DePaul School for Hearing and Speech. The DePaul School is one of few Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) schools in the country to provide speech and language services for middle school aged youth. The goal of an LSL education is for students to transition and succeed in a traditional neighborhood school. With new technology, children who are deaf or hard of hearing can learn to listen and speak and compete academically with their peers using intensive LSL education. The DePaul school offers teacher training and parent/caregiver support in addition to their youth services and school.

Mitsubishi supports The DePaul School by providing cash contributions, product donations, and volunteer time. In 2022, Mitsubishi held their annual Volunteer Leadership Workshop at the school with the theme of Building Bridges to Inclusion and Empowerment. Employee volunteers partnered with students on arts and music projects and had a bridge building competition in honor of our City of Bridges.

Each year, Mitsubishi Electric recognizes an outstanding volunteer project with The Helping Hands Award. Mitsubishi Electric Leading Others through Volunteer Efforts or L.O.V.E. Committee which is part of the Mitsubishi Electric Trane US (METUS) HVAC group based in Suwanee, Ga. METUS is another one, Mitsubishi Electric business segments in the USA market. They were selected this year for an outstanding impact in their efforts to refresh a playground. L.O.V.E. volunteers acted, working together and with the community to provide a new safe, inclusive, and exciting play space for children. The revamped park boasts an expansive wooden playground with separate areas for toddlers and older children. There is also a picnic pavilion with recreational space for families. Playgrounds provide opportunities for new experiences and learning while strengthening children’s emotional and social skills. They can also help community development, providing space for natural connections and collaborations.

The LOVE committee is also dedicated to sustainability, hosting roadside clean-up events to reduce litter and beautify their communities while demonstrating the impact of volunteerism. Roadside clean-up events focus on removing litter, which protects wildlife, ecosystems, and waterways. The benefits of roadside clean-ups expand beyond sustainability, offering volunteers a sense of accomplishment and immediate gratification. Those who donate their time do so outside, which can have a positive effect on mental health. Additionally, the physical activity of helping to beautify roadways can offer health benefits. Roadside clean-ups can also encourage civic pride, helping folks to take ownership in their surroundings, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility. 

For more information on Mitsubishi Electric and their community engagement, please visit here.