In addition to obtaining accreditation for each of the three "ISO-14001 Environmental," "OHSAS-18001 Labor, Safety and Health" and "ISO-9001 Quality" management systems, the Kashima Factory acquired Integrated Management System (IMS) certification in fiscal 2008. IMS consolidates the aforementioned three management systems for the purpose of enhancing management efficiency and efficacy.

As a part of the Company's efforts to establish and develop a comprehensive life-saving structure and system, three AEDs have been installed at Kashima's East Factory and two at its West Factory. At the same time, ADEKA periodically holds life-saving training sessions to ensure that all appropriate action is taken prior to ambulance arrival. Looking ahead, steps will be taken to increase the number of AEDs and to further supplement training sessions.

Responding to growing fears of a new influenza virus, the Company is boosting its supplies of face masks and related items. Visitors to the factory are also requested to adhere strictly to the Company's health check requirements and to disinfect their hands with alcohol swabs.

- While there were clear indications that efforts to promote energy conservation were bearing fruit, energy consumption per one ton of production increased 4.6% compared with fiscal 2007. This was mainly attributable to the substantial drop in production during the second half of the fiscal year. Looking ahead, the Kashima Factory will work diligently to achieve its year-on-year reduction target of 1% by taking into consideration the implementation of energy-saving technologies.
- The amount of CO2 emissions fell 20% in fiscal 2007 compared with the level emitted in fiscal 1990, the base year set under the Kyoto Protocol. This substantially exceeded the Protocol reduction target of 6%. The Kashima Factory will in future promote a host of energy saving initiatives in an effort to prevent global warming.

Led by the factory manager, management staff charged with the responsibility of making decisions undertake workplace patrols to both monitor and enhance the working environment. This system of inspection and upgrade is supported by group patrols as well as regular maintenance patrols conducted by the Safety and Health Cooperating Association.

The Nice Heart Festival: Cultural Festival for the Physically Challenged was held in December 2008 under the sponsorship of Ibaraki Prefecture and the Ibaraki Prefecture Sports and Culture Association for the Physically Challenged. This marks the Kashima Factory's seventh participation in this event. As in the previous year, the Company's frozen cakes were presented as a gift. Events such as these are seen as an excellent opportunity to foster interaction and close ties with local communities. Looking ahead, the Kashima Factory will proactively reinforce its efforts in this area. In addition, 880 Christmas cakes were presented to eight facilities for the physically challenged in the cities of Kamisu, Kashima and Itako.