Weastec lights the way for pollinators with year two of growing commitment

By Jennifer Ianson
Corporate Governance Lead
Weastec, Inc.

For the second year in a row, Weastec, a leading automotive manufacturer, proudly participated in National Pollinator Week, a nationwide initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the critical role pollinators play in sustaining ecosystems, supporting agriculture, and maintaining a healthy environment.

Weastec’s pollinator journey began in 2023, when a pollinator patch was established at the Hillsboro facility to provide food and habitat for bees, butterflies, and other essential species. In 2024, the company expanded those efforts significantly by adding two beehives overseen by Pap’s Hilltop Honey, a bat box, and a certified Monarch Way Station pollinator garden at the Hillsboro facility, turning its grounds into a flourishing safe haven for local wildlife.

The company’s Greenfield facility has also joined the mission, recently installing a pollinator garden that has been certified as a Monarch Way Station, ensuring a welcoming and sustainable environment for migrating monarchs and other pollinators.

This year, in celebration of Pollinator Week, Weastec’s BioTec Team took the initiative beyond its own facilities. In a show of regional leadership and collaboration, they visited several neighboring manufacturing facilities, inviting them to take part by “going orange” in support of pollinators. Each business received a symbolic orange light bulb to shine in recognition of pollinator awareness and conservation.

Among those who stepped up to participate, Greenfield Products lit up their front entryway, and the City of Hillsboro joined the movement by illuminating the town fountain in bright orange, offering a powerful visual reminder of the importance of pollinator protection. To show appreciation of their support, thank you cards were sent to both facilities, and a bee balm plant was delivered to Greenfield Products to add to their landscaping.

As a manufacturing facility, Weastec understands that industry has a major responsibility to preserve nature for future generations. The environmental choices made today will shape the ecosystems our children and grandchildren depend on tomorrow.

The BioTec Team’s mission is deeply rooted in that philosophy: “To preserve and protect biodiversity, utilizing open spaces to promote the conservation of diverse ecosystems, working to save life on earth for the benefit of present and future generations. We are committed to raising awareness about the importance and direct impact biodiversity has on human well-being. Through collaborative efforts with our local communities, governments, and other organizations, we aim to develop and implement effective sustainable strategies inspiring actions that ensure the survival of our planet’s precious wildlife.”

Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, bats and birds are crucial to maintaining environmental balance, yet their populations are in decline. By participating in Pollinator Week and taking real, on-the-ground action, Weastec is doing more than just raising awareness – it’s cultivating a culture of stewardship, innovation and long-term sustainability.

“Pollinators are essential to a healthy environment, and it's exciting to see our community becoming more engaged in their protection,” said Angie Parrish, a member of the BioTec Team. “It was inspiring to see other facilities be just as excited as we were to get involved.”

Weastec’s support for Pollinator Week aligns with its broader commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With every bulb lit, garden planted, and hive installed, the company continues to lead by example – proving that even in manufacturing, there’s room to grow green.

Stay tuned as Weastec and the BioTec Team continue their mission to protect pollinators and promote a more sustainable future, one initiative – and one orange light – at a time. To learn more about Pollinator Week and how you can support pollinators at home or work, visit pollinator.org.

Below, the Weastec sign is show during Pollinator Week 2025.

Below, Kevin Hawkins of Greenfield Products receives a Pollinator Week bee balm thank-you gift from Karol Leach, Weastec BioTec member.