KION Group commits to labour standards at all sites around the world
2014-05-01 / 09:00:04
- The KION Group emphasises its social responsibility
- Based on the United Nations fundamental conventions
- Commitment to safe and healthy working conditions and appropriate remuneration
- Employees encouraged to report all violations and make their own suggestions
Wiesbaden, 1 May 2014 - The KION Group is underscoring its commitment to safe and fair working conditions with its voluntary undertaking to ensure that clearly defined employment standards are in place at all its locations around the world. The standards are based on the fundamental conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) which proscribe all forms of forced labour, child labour and discrimination as well as stipulating that every employee should have freedom of association. The KION Group, the world's largest specialist supplier of industrial trucks and related services, is also committed to ensuring safe and healthy working conditions and making sure its workers receive appropriate remuneration.
"The standards are an expression of our social responsibility towards all our employees," said KION Executive Board member and Labour Director Thomas Toepfer. "Of course we have always adhered to the individual principles, but now we have brought them together and set them down in writing."
The KION Group operates in more than 100 countries, including newly industrialising countries such as India and China. Most - but not all - of the countries in which the KION Group employs people have ratified the fundamental conventions of the ILO, a United Nations organisation. This new commitment will ensure that all companies within the KION Group comply with the standards.
The company recognises the importance of monitoring compliance with the standards and ensuring that any violations are reported. The management boards of the group companies regularly review whether, and to what extent, the principles are being applied. All employees are encouraged to report violations - anonymously, if they prefer - and to make their own suggestions for improvement. The boards of management/regional management teams are obliged to examine any such reports and take immediate action where required to put things right.
The Company
The KION Group - comprising the six brands of Linde, STILL, Fenwick, OM STILL, Baoli and Voltas - is the largest manufacturer of industrial trucks in Western and Eastern Europe, the global number two in the industry and the leading non-domestic supplier in China. The Linde and STILL brands serve the premium segment worldwide. Fenwick is the largest supplier of material handling products in France, while OM STILL is a market leader in Italy. The Baoli brand focuses on the economy segment, and Voltas is a market leader in India in industrial trucks. The KION Group is present in more than 100 countries and, in 2013, employed over 22,000 people and generated revenue of EUR4.49 billion.
Disclaimer
This document and the information contained herein are for information purposes only and do not constitute a prospectus or an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction.
This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward looking statements due to certain factors, e.g. changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, results of technical studies, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. We do not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.
Further information for the media
Michael Hauger
Head of Corporate Communications
Tel.: +49 (0)611 770 655
michael.hauger@kiongroup.com
Frank Brandmaier
Head of Corporate Media Relations
Tel.: +49 (0)611 770 752
frank.brandmaier@kiongroup.com
Further information for investors
Frank Herzog
Head of Corporate Finance
Tel.: +49 (0)611 770 303
frank.herzog@kiongroup.com
Silke Glitza
Head of Investor Relations and M&A
Tel.: +49 (0)611 770 450
silke.glitza@kiongroup.com