[Top Nigari Manufacturer] Nio Kousan Initiates Free Ion Drink Distribution for Factory Employees Starting June

Nio Kousan Co., Ltd., holding a 65% domestic market share in nigari (magnesium chloride) production, has initiated the free distribution of ion drinks during the summer season, starting June 1, 2026, aimed at maintaining employee health and preventing heat stroke.

With rising temperatures in recent years, heat stroke prevention has become a critical management challenge. Nio Kousan's nigari production sites face high temperatures in the summer, necessitating continuous efforts to protect employees.

While the company provides free drinks annually, it has advanced the start date by one month for 2026, moving from the usual July 1 start to June 1.

Based on the belief that "employee health is the foundation of corporate growth," the company provides an environment where employees can hydrate and replenish salt whenever needed, without any limits on quantity.

In recognition of these efforts, the company has been certified as a "Health & Productivity Management Organization 2026 (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Category)" by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Nippon Kenko Kaigi. Furthermore, it has been awarded the "Bright 500" title—granted to the top 500 outstanding corporations—for four consecutive years.

■ Focus on On-Site Heat Stroke Prevention

Due to high temperatures in the factory during nigari manufacturing, heat stroke prevention is a top priority. Nio Kousan has previously invested in air conditioning and secured rest times, adding free ion drinks as of June 1, 2026.

[System Overview]
Start Date: June 1, 2026
Target: Employees primarily in manufacturing
Content: Ion drinks, no quantity limit
Objective: Heat stroke prevention and health maintenance

The company is building an environment where employees can replenish fluids and salt without enduring physical discomfort.

■ Four Consecutive Years of 'Bright 500' Certification

Beyond heat stroke prevention, Nio Kousan implements various measures to support employee health and self-realization:
1. A cafeteria plan subsidizing up to 85,000 yen annually.
2. Visualization of health using devices like Fitbit.
3. A salad subscription service at the company cafe.
4. The "Ganbari Award" to support health goals.
5. Calorie displays on all company vending machines.
6. The launch of the lifestyle brand "umiral."

※ The 'Bright 500' is a designation for the top 500 organizations among certified Health & Productivity Management Organizations that demonstrate exceptional efforts in communicating health management initiatives to the region and society.

■ Comments from the General Manager of Corporate Planning
"I am deeply honored that we have been certified as a 'Bright 500' for the fourth consecutive year. Our history, dating back to our founding in 1919, has been one of constant challenge, rejecting the status quo. It is because we have a workplace where healthy employees can fearlessly ask 'Why?' that we can innovate, protecting our foundation as Japan's top nigari producer while expanding into new lifestyle businesses like 'umiral.' We will continue to evolve our health management, ensuring Nio Kousan remains a company where employees can find and realize the 'selves they want to become.'"