San Antonio’s own Nissei Plastic Machinery America, Inc. has been recognized for its exemplary workplace safety program and low rates of work-related injuries and illnesses as a recipient of the 2020 Lone Star Safety Award. Nissei America, Inc. opened its 115,000-square foot production facility at the Brooks City Base Industrial Park in May 2018, where it manufactures plastic injection molding presses, and houses 16 full-time employees.
“We are honored to receive this important recognition,” said Nissei America, Inc. President and Representative Director Hozumi Yoda. “We strive to create a culture of helpfulness and learning that prioritizes the safety of our staff. This award is a testament to the safety program, inspection process, and employee training protocols that have been put into place over the past two years.”
The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) Lone Star Safety Program recognizes Texas employers with exemplary safety programs that can serve as models for other employers. To qualify for the program, employers must have a proven safety program, injury incidence rates below the national average for three years prior to application, and no work-related fatalities within the prior 12 months.
“Nissei Plastic Machinery has created a proactive work environment and safety program,” said DWC Director of Workplace Safety Chris D’Amura. “I want to especially recognize their leadership for involving employees in safety by recognizing them when they report a concern or near miss.”
The Lone Star Safety Program certifies safe employers in Texas to provide peer review safety programs. Recipients are called upon to utilize their expertise to assist other employers throughout the state with formulating and evaluating their own health and safety programs.
State Senator Peter Flores, whose district encompasses the Brooks City Base Industrial Park, presented the award. “I am so very proud to present this year’s award to this pioneer in the plastics industry that has been testing the limits, continuously innovating, and raising the bar in the field since its inception in 1947,” Flores said. “I know other employers in the state will benefit immensely from Nissei’s shared expertise, helping them shape their own health and safety programs, and enriching the lives of so many hard-working Texans.”
In addition to the Nissei team, representatives from the Brooks City Base and Frost Bank attended, as well as the President of the San Antonio Manufacturer’s Association.