Sustainability – in bad times as in good

In economic terms, 2009 was Komax’s most difficult year since it was founded in 1975. The Group had to introduce short-time working arrangements at a number of sites, and was even forced to resort to redundancies in some cases. Komax made it a top priority to assist the employees affected by these steps during that difficult period. As in previous years, Komax demonstrated its commitment to social and ecological sustainability through a variety of measures in the year under review.

The introduction of short-time working arrangements not only at the company’s three sites in Central Switzerland, but also in Germany and France was an unavoidable consequence of weak capacity utilization at these sites. This was an extremely difficult period for many of the employees affected by that move. Komax therefore offered its employees the opportunity to take part in various charitable projects, with the company covering the associated working time costs. The communities in charge of the projects provided the necessary materials and meals for the participants. The work ranged from road construction projects, including a safer path to school for children in Dierikon, to clearing blocked stream beds and even standing in for a charitable institution’s driver while he was on sick leave.

Last year’s developments had far-reaching consequences for the entire company. Despite short-time working arrangements, redundancies were unavoidable. Komax did everything in its power to assist the employees affected by the redundancy measures. Wherever possible, the company offered these employees a new position within the Group, and it extended the notice period for long-time and older employees. All those affected were also given access to career transition advice from a professional outplacement consultant. Occupational safety and preventive healthcare The workforce is a central part of any business. Komax attaches great importance to ensuring the safety of its employees in the workplace. For example, in the year under review Komax ran training courses for the first aid group and continuously reviewed its safety policies. Komax offers various prevention programmes to promote a healthy lifestyle among employees. Training and development Training objectives and available courses are discussed and agreed with employees on an individual basis. Moreover, in-house English courses for various proficiency levels are offered on an ongoing basis.

The workforce is a central part of any business. Komax attaches great importance to ensuring the safety of its employees in the workplace. For example, in the year under review Komax ran training courses for the first aid group and continuously reviewed its safety policies. Komax offers various prevention programmes to promote a healthy lifestyle among employees.

Training objectives and available courses are discussed and agreed with employees on an individual basis. Moreover, in-house English courses for various proficiency levels are offered on an ongoing basis.

In Switzerland, Komax trains apprentices as multi-skilled mechanics, electronics technicians, administrative assistants, IT specialists, automation technicians, design engineers and logisticians. In addition to providing vocational training, Komax supports these young professionals in their personal development, for example with its biennial “apprentice camp”. In July 2009, 51 apprentices spent a week in Bergün in the Canton of Graubünden, helping to build or restore hiking trails, construct new bridges or catwalks, and renovate barbecue and seating areas.

Komax invests in renewable energies and is committed to environmentally compatible production. As part of this commitment, the Group also uses renewable energies such as solar or hydroelectric power. For some time now, Komax has been using RegioMix green power from small utilities in Central Switzerland. In order to make a visible statement to the outside world about its serious commitment to photovoltaics, the Group operates the largest solar power plant in the Canton of Zug on the roof of its production building in Rotkreuz, with an output of approximately 40 kWp and a total area of around 300 square metres.

Komax sees these measures as doing its part towards reducing the global CO2 problem. It goes without saying that the company complies with all relevant legislation in this area and goes beyond the minimum requirements wherever possible.

To supplement its existing guiding principles, Komax adopted a Group-wide code of conduct encompassing the Group’s values, objectives and strategy in 2009. This code represents a voluntary commitment by management and staff to follow certain patterns of behaviour and ethical principles. Both the code of conduct and the guiding principles can be viewed on the Komax website.