BLANCHESTER — Hitachi Astemo Americas plants (formerly American Showa) in Blanchester and Sunbury have been recognized in the 2022 Healthiest Employers of Ohio awards program.

The program honors people-first organizations that prioritize the well-being of their employee population, stated a media release. It is the fifth year in a row that Hitachi Astemo facilities have been ranked in first place in the 500 to 1,499 employees category.

Hitachi Astemo’s plants in Ohio develop and manufacture suspension systems for motorcycles, shock absorbers and power steering systems, as well as powertrain pumps for automobiles.

“Our wellness, safety and ergonomics programs are an important component of Hitachi Astemo Americas’ overall business plan and are ingrained in our culture,” said Jillian Jacobs, the company’s Wellness Program manager. “Our core approach to wellness encompasses not only our fitness centers, but also includes two near-site Hitachi Astemo Wellness Centers and coordination with our Safety Department to provide occupational health services.

“The wellness centers offer 100 percent free primary, urgent and preventive care services along with an on-site lab, free generic drug dispensaries and physical therapy, allowing for a 360-degree approach to wellness. We want our employees to receive award-winning care and as our motto states ‘Get Well … Stay Well’,” Jacobs said.

Increased flexibility, work-life balance, and mental health resources have proven to be common trends among Healthiest Employers honorees.

Fifty-one companies were named as Healthiest Employers in Ohio this year.

Award applicants were evaluated across six key categories: Culture and Leadership, Foundational Components, Strategic Planning, Communication and Marketing, Programming and Interventions, and Reporting and Analytics. Completed assessments were ranked with the proprietary Healthiest Employers Index, a 1-100 rubric for wellness programming.