Hoshizaki Factory Receives First Platinum Certification from the RBA for a Factory in Japan

Brother Industries, Ltd. (President: Ichiro Sasaki) today announced that its Hoshizaki Factory (located in Minami-ku, Nagoya) received the Platinum certification, the highest rating in the Validated Assessment Program (VAP) audit, which evaluates compliance with the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) Code of Conduct. This marks the fourth facility in the Brother Group to receive RBA certification and the first in Japan. It is also the third facility to receive the Platinum certification.

The RBA is a non-profit organization that supports the rights and well-being of workers and communities affected by global supply chains. Its Code of Conduct sets out standards to ensure that working conditions are safe, that workers are treated with respect and dignity, and that business operations are environmentally responsible and conducted ethically. The organization requests its members to pursue compliance with the respective standards through their management systems. Following this Code of Conduct, a VAP audit is conducted by a third-party organization approved by RBA, and Silver (160 points or more), Gold (180 points or more), or Platinum (full 200 points) certification is issued depending on the evaluation score.

Hoshizaki Factory has recently undergone a VAP audit and received the Platinum certification with the highest score of 200 points for proper management in the audit areas of labor, health and safety, environment, ethics, and supply chain management system.

The Brother Group has identified five materialities in order to "contribute to society and help protect the earth," which are "Our Purpose" in the Brother Group's vision toward FY2030, "At your side 2030." To address one of the materialities, "pursuing a responsible value chain," the Group has set the goal of attaining RBA Gold certification for three Group manufacturing facilities by FY2024. The Brother Group has achieved this goal by obtaining Gold certification at BROTHER INDUSTRIES (VIETNAM) LTD., in 2022 and Platinum certification at BROTHER TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) LTD., and BROTHER INDUSTRIES (PHILIPPINES), INC., in 2023.

The Brother Group will continue to make efforts in pursuit of a responsible value chain through its commitment to the RBA Code of Conduct and CSR procurement that addresses aspects such as human rights and the environment.

Hoshizaki Factory