Weastec, a leading player in the automotive industry, has emerged as a trailblazer in supporting biodiversity efforts, marking a pivotal shift towards sustainability. Our Hillsboro location sits on roughly 150 acres in the scenic hills of southwestern Ohio and has ample land opportunities to support new biodiversity efforts.
In the past year, Weastec has taken steps to enrich the diverse ecosystem surrounding our premises. In November 2023, a dedicated group of employees established Weastec’s Biodiversity Team, later named BioTEC, with the aim of utilizing our land to restore ecosystems suitable for various native species of animals, plants, insects, and others. We are actively collaborating with experts, stakeholders, and local communities to pinpoint key areas where we can make a positive difference.
The BioTEC team has already achieved significant milestones, including planting a 4000sq. ft. wildflower patch, acquiring two beehives, and installing a bat box on the hillside behind the Hillsboro plant, as well as creating a certified Monarch Waystation pollinator area outside the facility’s backdoor. The team has also created numerous informational slides about different biodiversity efforts that were published on Weastec’s electronic bulletin boards and the associate app. The slides feature information about Bat Week, Wildlife Conservation, Arbor Day, World Bee Day, and much more!
Recently, the BioTEC team successfully certified Weastec as a Pollinator Steward through the Pollinator Partnership (P2). Team members engaged in informative webinars supported by P2 to broaden their understanding of pollinators and carried out a community outreach initiative. They encouraged local businesses to participate by altering their exterior lighting to orange and/or yellow during Pollinator Week, aiming to raise awareness about pollinators.
Looking ahead, we are eager to build upon the success of our previous endeavors and explore new opportunities to enhance biodiversity conservation. By fostering partnerships and leveraging innovative approaches, we aim to contribute to the protection of endangered species, the restoration of ecosystems, and the promotion of sustainable practices.