As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues, manufacturers in a variety of industries are looking to do their part to help those impacted. Several have already ceased operations in Russia and said they are doing what they can to keep employees there safe.
Others, like heavy equipment manufacturer Hitachi, have also stopped exporting goods to or doing business in Russia.
In a statement from Caterpillar Inc. released March 9, the global machinery OEM said it was “deeply saddened by the tragic events continuing to occur in Ukraine and hope[s] for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.” The company says it is complying with laws and sanctions put in place since the conflict began and remains “focused on our employees, dealers and customers.”
Caterpillar also noted in its statement it has suspended manufacturing operations in Russia as things have become more challenging there because of the conflict and the related supply chain disruptions and sanctions.
The company is also one of many making donations to aid humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
Stay up to date on the many impacts of the conflict—including those to manufacturing, supply chains and fuel prices—between Ukraine and Russia, visit this rolling list of stories from the various Endeavor Business Media brands compiled by Industry Week.
Caterpillar Donates Over $1 Million to Ukraine
Caterpillar’s philanthropic organization the Caterpillar Foundation has announced it will donate more than $1 million to support immediate and long-term needs in Ukraine. Per the company, donations will go to several organizations providing humanitarian aid including:
- American Red Cross, to support the global Red Cross network response to the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis
- Project Hope
- Center for Disaster Philanthropy
The funding will help to provide much needed food, water, clothing, hygiene products, blankets, fuel for heating and medical supplies, as well as housing support in Ukraine and surrounding countries, says Caterpillar in its press release announcing the donation.
Donations from global employees and dealer employees as well as U.S. retirees will also be matched by the foundation to support the global Red Cross network. Caterpillar says these donations have already surpassed its original match goal and it will keep the avenue for doing so open.
“Through the Caterpillar Foundation's platform, we are responding to the urgent humanitarian needs in Ukraine and its neighboring countries. I am proud of the generosity of our employees to support these critical efforts,” says Jim Umpleby, Caterpillar Chairman and CEO.
“As the fighting intensifies in Ukraine, so does the dire situation for impacted families,” says Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. “We cannot thank the Caterpillar Foundation and Caterpillar employees enough for their generous contributions, enabling the global Red Cross network to provide humanitarian relief in response to the Ukraine crisis.”
CNH Industrial Donates $500,000 to Support Ukrainians
CNH Industrial announced on March 4 it would be donating $500,000 in support of Ukrainians impacted by the conflict with Russia. The company says it is relying on the support of NGOs (non-governmental organizations) providing on-the-ground assistance to ensure the funds are deployed appropriately.
The company is also establishing an employee donation fund; CNH says it will match those donations dollar for dollar.
CNH is also providing support for the 38 employees it has based in Ukraine.
“CNH Industrial strongly condemns any and all acts of unprovoked violence and aggression, which have led to the current lamentable situation in Ukraine. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, and we are prioritizing the safety of our employees and their families in the country,” said Scott W. Wine, chief executive officer, CNH Industrial. “I am humbled by our employees’ determination to contribute in assisting the population of Ukraine, which is in urgent humanitarian need. I, alongside my fellow 37,500 CNH Industrial colleagues, wish for a positive and quick resolution to this unfolding crisis.”
Automakers Pledge Funds and Assistance to Ukrainians
Several automotive manufacturers have announced support of various types for Ukrainians being impacted by the conflict with Russia. Ford Motor Company, for instance, has announced its Ford Fund is donating $100,000 to the Global Giving Ukraine Relief Fund which is providing aid to Ukrainian citizens and families displaced by the conflict.
Stellantis N.V.—parent company of various brands including Chrysler, Dodge, Alfa Romeo, Fiat and more—announced on March 2 its foundation is committing €1 million to humanitarian aid efforts supporting Ukrainian refugees and civilians. The company’s head of operations in Ukraine will work with local NGOs to ensure the donations go where they should.
The company’s CEO Carlos Tavares condemned the violence taking place in the country in a press release announcing the donations being made. He also noted the health and safety of Stellantis’ employees and families in Ukraine was a high priority for the company. Currently it has 71 employees based in the country; it immediately initiated a 24/7 dedicated support team to actively monitor these employees who at the time of the announcement were all safe.
Toyota announced it is providing support to both employees and their families in Ukraine and to Ukrainian refugees. This includes direct assistance and corporate donations up to approximately €2.5 million, the company says in its press release announcing its support efforts.
Over 1,700 Ukrainians work in Toyota facilities in Europe, mostly in countries neighboring Ukraine. Employees at these facilities, with company support, have set up transportation, shelter and access to medical services. The company says it also established a Toyota Humanitarian Aid Fund to help support relocation efforts; Toyota employees in Europe can make donations which the company intends to match.
To aid others impacted by the conflict, Toyota is donating €500,000 to the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR and encouraging donations to the Red Cross as well. In addition, employees are volunteering to help those impacted and providing various needed goods. Toyota Motor Europe is allowing up to 40 paid hours per employee to participate in these volunteer efforts as part of its pro-bono volunteering program.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced March 11 it will be donating €1 million to the Japanese Red Cross Society for humanitarian support of those in Ukraine and neighboring regions.
Cummins Looks to Assist Refugees
Power systems manufacturer Cummins Inc. said in a statement condemning the actions of the Russian Government it is working with community organizations—particularly those in Romania and Poland—to determine how it can best assist refugees arriving in these countries from Ukraine.
Cummins employees are also looking to help. As such, the company is working with its grant making partner Global Giving, which recently launched the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund to provide donations to support Ukrainians. Donations will go toward various humanitarian efforts to support those in Ukraine and surrounding countries.
The company released an updated statement on March 18 regarding the situation; its Board of Directors has suspended all commercial operations in Russia indefinitely. Cummins says it is evaluating how to help those employees in the region to minimize the impact on them.
Employees and resources are also being mobilized to provide immediate short-term aid to refugees in the form of $250,000 in fast-tracked grants. Employees are also volunteering their efforts.
John Deere Foundation aids Ukrainians
Agricultural equipment manufacturer John Deere says its John Deere Foundation is working directly with various organizations to support Ukrainians impacted by the conflict with Russia.
The company announced this in a statement it released about the conflict in which it also noted it has suspended shipments of its machines to Russia and Belarus. John Deere says it is saddened by the situation and, like many other companies, prioritizing the safety of employees and their families who may be impacted by the conflict.
German Trade Fairground Hosts Refugees
Messe Düsseldorf, a large trade fairground, has announced the conversion of its largest into accommodations for refugees who have left Ukraine. It worked together with the German Red Cross and Düsseldorf Fire Department to set up cots in the hall as well as partitions.
Currently there are 900 refugees in the hall; this number is expected to reach capacity at 1,500.
According to a statement from the organization, the goal is to house the refugees until other accommodations are found.
Read more from fellow Endeavor Business Media publication Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing.
Iveco Group supporting those in Ukraine
Iveco Group is working to help both its employees and citizens in and near Ukraine during this time of conflict with Russia. For its employees in the area it is providing logistics and housing support for those choosing to move to safer areas; the company says it is also providing communication support and financial aid to these employees and their families.
Iveco says it is also providing support for Ukrainians through diverse initiatives to provide food and other goods. This includes assistance to children undergoing oncological care in Ukraine to be treated in an Italian hospital as well the company says.
It is also looking into providing an in-kind donation of its products to support humanitarian operations as well as the transport of civilians and essential goods the company says in its press release announcing its support.
AGCO Donates to Ukraine Emergency Relief
Agricultural equipment manufacturer AGCO Corp.'s AGCO Agriculture Foundation (AAF) has announced a donation of $100,00 to the World Food Program USA (WFPUSA). It will support the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) emergency relief efforts to provide food assistance for families affected by the conflict in Ukraine and neighboring countries says AGCO in its press release announcing the donation.
AGCO says it and its foundation have opened a "ShareTheMeal" team campaign with the WFP to reach a goal of providing 182,000 meals in 3 months as part of its donation efforts. This will allow AGCO employees and others to donate in support of the those in Ukraine.
A ShareTheMeal app can be downloaded from Google Play or the App Store to donate to AGCO's team challenge and support those in need. The company breaks down how much donations of specific amounts could provide:
- $0.80 can feed a person for a day, covering 2000 Kcal requirements of an adult
- $5.60 can feed a person for a week
- $24 can feed a person for a month (based on 30 days)
- $72 can feed a person for 3 months (based on 90 days)
- $292 can feed a person for a year
Wabtec Donates $100,000 to Ukraine Refugee Efforts
Wabtec Corporation’s philanthropic arm the Wabtec Foundation is donating $100,000 to support Ukrainian refugees. The money will be split equally between the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and World Central Kitchen.
Per Wabtec’s press release announcing the donation:
The IRC is working to scale up support to the government and civil society and to provide for the basic needs of the refugees. The IRC is working with partners in Poland and Ukraine to quickly mobilize resources and provide critical support to civilians forced to flee their homes. The World Central Kitchen began serving hot, nourishing meals in Poland within a day of when the conflict started. The charity is now set up at eight border crossings, as well in Przemyśl—a city receiving many refugee families.
