Sustainability Management at the Fischer Group of Companies Waldachtal, 2019
Sustainability Management at the fischer group of companies Waldachtal, 2019
Deutscher Nachhaltigkeitspreis 2020
SIEGER Großunternehmen
Sustainability Management
“Sustainability unites aspects like environmental protection, technology and innovation with economic success and social responsibility. At the fischer group of companies, we see the interplay of these aspects as a learning process to live, work, and do business in harmony with nature.”
Professor E. h. Senator E. h. E.h., Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Klaus Fischer 4 5
Introduction
The fischer group of companies is of resource-conserving products. On an organisation that is highly flexible and actively aware of its social responsibility. the path towards streamlining business problem-solving oriented, the structured The policies that take economic, social practices that prevent wastage and analysis of problems in the further and ecological aspects into account are increase value production, the fischer development of company processes laid out in our fischer mission statement. ProcessSystem emerged in 2001, based is a significant task for management. We plan our our economic development on the Japanese Kaizen concept. It is with long-term and sustainable not considered to be a "toolbox" for Beyond operational training, fischer is goals, in line with social interests. designing and optimising production, also extremely committed to external logistics and administrative processes. projects. Equal opportunity and fischer’s mission statement governs Instead, we see it as a management balancing work and family also have a its leadership concept and interaction system that supports the company high priority in the group of companies, with the circle of people (stakeholders) in achieving its strategic business as do the occupational safety and affiliated with the company. It also sets goals - and that is also how we health protection of employees. the stage for economic activity. This apply it. For this purpose, consistent includes trusting cooperation, reliable sustainability management is essential. Within the framework of its economic and upstanding conduct, mutual The company group considers its possibilities, fischer supports social, appreciation, performance-related business processes to be connected cultural and sports initiatives and remuneration and future-focused by a regulating system. fischer thereby associations that correspond with organisational forms and work methods, obligates itself to maintain the standards company goals and values. as well as active publicity work that it has set in order to continuously protects the intellectual property of improve the system – as well as each others – a right which fischer also individual process – for the benefit of claims for itself – along with active the customers and the company. cooperation in appropriate committees, corporations and associations. Targeted employee qualification and development forms the basis of the fischer has been has engaged in active fischer ProcessSystem. A corresponding environmental protection for decades, leadership culture enables and which includes company processes, consistently supports systematic but also the research and development problem solving. In order to also achieve
Yours, Klaus Fischer
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Contents
Introduction 5 Checklist: Sustainability Management at fischer 8 fischer’s sustainability compass 9 Blue Path at fischer 12 Guiding Principle 01 – Human and Labour Rights 14 Guiding Principle 02 – Employee well-being 16 Guiding Principle 03 – Stakeholder groups 18 Guiding Principle 04 – Resources 19 Guiding Principle 05 – Energy and emissions 25 Guiding Principle 06 – Product responsibility 28 Guiding Principle 07 – Company success and workplaces 32 Guiding Principle 08 – Sustainable innovation 36 Guiding Principle 09 – Financial decisions 38 Guiding Principle 10 – Anti-corruption 38 Guiding Principle 11 – Regional added-value 40 Guiding Principle 12 – Incentives to rethink 44 Outlook 46 Checklist: Sustainability Management at fischer
Qualitative Quantitative Overview Priority setting documentation documentation
Guiding Principle 01 – Human & Labour Rights
Guiding Principle 02 – Employee well-being
Guiding Principle 03 – Stakeholders
Guiding Principle 04 – Resources
Guiding Principle 05 – Energy & emissions
Guiding Principle 06 – Product responsibility
Guiding Principle 07 – Company success & workplaces
Guiding Principle 08 – Sustainable innovations
Guiding Principle 09 – Financial decisions
Guiding Principle 10 – Anti-corruption
Guiding Principle 11 – Regional added-value
Guiding Principle 12 – Incentives to rethink
Sustainability efforts on site
Supported WIN!-project: Fundraising campaign for children's daycare centres Funding amount: 55,000 Euro Project sponsor: Klaus Fischer Foundation Type of funding: Key area: Financial Material Personnel Resources Mobility Integration
Education for sustainable development 9 fischer’s sustainability compass
In order to strengthen existing structures ■ Guiding Principle 07 – Company WIN Project - Klaus Fischer donates for doing business sustainably and to success and workplaces 55,000 Euros to children's daycare find new fields of action, fischer orients centres in the region. itself on the WIN-Charter and Sustainable ■ Guiding Principle 08 – Sustainable Development Goals. Both concepts offer innovations transparency to stakeholders by making Investing in the education of young the responsible actions from companies ■ Guiding Principle 11 – Regional people is an important concern to the comparable. added-value company owner, Klaus Fischer. For him, this starts right in the daycare centre. Now seven daycare centres have once The WIN-Charter requires self- These highlights are explained in again received generous donations from commitment, personal initiative and open detail, specified and underpinned with the Klaus Fischer Foundation. “Investing communication from companies, and performance indicators in fischer’s in education and development is an is aligned with the economic structure sustainability management. The other investment in the future,” company of Baden-Württemberg. Its regional guiding principles from the WIN-Charter owner Klaus Fischer says. That is why components are an outstanding feature. set are also taken into account and could he places a great deal of importance on take the place of one or the other main promoting young people and expresses guiding principles with regard to relevance. it through a large number of initiatives: With the twelve Guiding Principles of the Seven daycare centres in the region are WIN-Charter, companies commit to basic receiving generous donations from the values, a responsible approach to the The WIN-Charter initiated in Baden- Klaus Fischer Foundation. For this reason environment and identification with their Württemberg meets all the EU’s he has always supported the promotion region. Aspects like human and labour requirements for sustainability reporting. of the trainees and dual-study students rights, integration or resource efficiency Even before it was introduced, fischer at our company. are also a part of it. was practising active sustainability communication thereby affirming its responsibility as a company. Before Furthermore, he also personally supports fischer’s Sustainability the introduction of the CSR-Guidelines daycare centres and schools in our Management Implementation Law in spring 2017, region as well as universities, through structurally follows which the WIN-Charter developed from, our company or his Klaus Fischer the WIN-Charter. fischer was already meeting all of the Foundation. In this way, our company requirements in EU-Guideline 2014/95. is committed to many campaigns that introduce kids to commercial For fischer, the focus is on five particular enterprises. “Kids should become guiding principles out of the original 12: As an internationally active company, familiar with companies when they are fischer also recognises the Sustainable young so they can look out beyond the ■ Guiding Principle 04 – Resources Development Goals (SDG) defined by horizon,” our company owner believes. the United Nations, an internationally “We must already start awakening ■ Guiding Principle 05 – Energy and valid supporting programme for global an excitement for technology in early emissions sustainability activities. childhood.” 10
fischer’s sustainability compass
As an internationally active company, These priority topics determine fischer’s as digitisation and industry 4.0, fischer also recognises the Sustainable sustainable orientation with regard are amongst the ranks with other Development Goals (SDG) defined by to products, brands, production and sustainability fields of action. From our the United Nations, an internationally procurement. Plus, as a market leader point of view, all challenges and fields valid supporting programme for global there is an obligation to act in an of action are sub-projects for fischer’s sustainability activities. economically successful manner and sustainability management and are thereby in a responsible manner towards underpinned with corresponding employees, the environment and society. performance indicators (compare to Consisting of a total of 17 overarching the respective guiding principles). This objectives, the SDG designates the way, the basis is created for iterative, most urgent economic, social or The orchestration of fischer's sustainable company management. ecological fields of action. This results sustainability performance results in additional potential fields of action from linking fischer's mission and thereby goals from which sub-goals statement (“The company's DNA”), can be derived. In order to be able to fischer's ProcessSystem (fPS, “The achieve this, aside from the companies company’s muscles”), and Sustainability the most important partners are also Management (“The company’s nervous the government and civil society system”). Exterior and interior signals organisations. are thereby registered, interpreted and actively processed with regard to a sense of ecological, economic and fischer focuses here on social responsibility. five priority topics:
■ Sustainable consumption and The company values of profit orientation, production innovation, personal responsibility (SDG 12) and seriousness as well as the proven process systems have been ■ Affordable and clean energy consistently integrated into sustainability (SDG 7) management at the fischer group of companies. In this way, fischer's ■ High quality education authentic presentation is ensured – both (SDG 4) inwardly and outwardly.
■ Industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9) The result is the fischer sustainability compass. This tool (see next page) ■ Health and well-being includes the company's strategic (SDG 3) challenges: prominent topics such 11
Market, customer, user
Profitable growth
Investments
GP 9 Top employer
GP 7 Innovation management GP 6, GP 8, GP 12 Delivery service GP 7 GP 7 Compliance ees Employ
GP 10 rocesses P Educational initiatives Product quality
Proc GP 4, GP 6, GP 7 GP 7, GP 11, GP 12 her essS isc ys (f te S m In n P ) n E o f c i o t v o Industry 4.0 l y a fischer a o t s i t g e l i i o y GP 8, GP 12 a c n b o s o Education and training l S MISSION GP 7 G Resource efficiency STATEMENT GP 4 INNOVATIVE PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE t Fo REPUTABLE en Energy efficiency cu m s age GP 5 T an n ec M io Occupational safety hn at GP 2 olo itis Recycling gy Dig and health protection GP 4 Economy Emissions / greenhouse gases GP 5 Supply chain GP 1, GP 4
Interest groups GP 3
GP 11 GP 2, GP 7
Social commitment Collaboration / employees
fischer's motto: “Sustainable business activity is responsible activity that strives for long-term economic success in harmony with the environment and society.” Blue Path at fischer
As part of its strategic orientation for the future, the fischer group of companies has agreed on the strategy 2025 for the upcoming years. This defines the long- term goals and their medium-term implementation. This also includes further extension of As part of the strategic focus, the at various locations on the company the Blue Path. These stations represent topics of digitisation, globalisation, premises and beyond – together these examples of various sustainability innovation, technology and processes individual stations make up the Blue activities and are intended to promote became the main themes. The Path. This includes, among other things, and continuously enhance awareness for foundation for successful development a new shuttle system in the Global this topic - both within and outside the is the interplay of managerial staff, the Distribution Centre at the headquarters. company. fischer ProzessSystem and mission The company was distinguished statement, as well as focusing on by Environmental Technology The colour blue not only symbolises the sustainable activities. Implemented Baden- Württemberg (UTBW) in “100 ocean, the sky and the earth – in expert and planned sustainability projects companies for resource efficiency”. circles it also represents sustainability. are clearly exhibited and documented Guiding Principle 01 – Human and Labour Rights
As a company that is active successful shaping of the future of mission statement as soon as possible, worldwide with locations in over the fischer group of companies. The they receive a mission statement 30 countries as well as suppliers fischer mission statement applies to training during the Welcome Days. This and customers around the world, all employees worldwide as the "Code creates a foundation for the transfer the fischer group of companies of Conduct", and has been translated of company values to personal action. considers it its duty to actively into 26 languages. One key area is The managerial staff in the group of support human and labourer rights. the group's reputable conduct, as one companies ensures that the philosophy excerpt from the mission statement is also practised consistently through Following the fischer mission statement, shows: “We behave in an appreciative an annual mission statement training. all company activities are based on the and self-critical manner, are trustworthy basic values “innovative, personally and reliable, take heed of rights, norms responsible and reputable”, and follow and cultures, and expect our partners the goal of generating profit. These to do the same. We give ourselves rules basic values apply as the benchmark for and adhere to them.” In order for all new the daily work and the employees to become familiar with the Appreciation is a topic of particularly and performs audits as part of its an important contribution to ensuring high importance to company proprietor supplier management before delivery compliance with these specifications, Prof. Klaus Fischer. At the fischer group begins. These audits not only look at by keeping an eye on compliance with of companies the human is at the centre pure efficiency, but instead they also standards – from supplier selection, – this is verified by the high investments evaluate the possible partner in terms award of contract, incoming goods and in education and training as well as in of people, safety and the environment. everything in between. In the event of the many social activities provided. infringement against applicable rules External partners of the fischer group of or negligences, fischer's intention Collaboration with the worker's council companies are committed to complying is to forego collaboration or end is trusting and constructive. After the with social standards with regard to the existing supply relationship. works agreement 2020, compulsory human rights, working conditions redundancies have been excluded at and protecting the environment. This all German locations of the fischer is confirmed regularly by signing the group of companies. In selecting its “Regulation of business methods”. The partners, fischer is conscientious Supplier Management division provides Guiding principle 02 – Employee well-being
In order to master the current and future physiotherapists answer questions and In addition, there is a low-fat and challenges in a globalised, fast-paced help you achieve your athletic goals. delicately steamed healthy option for world economy, motivated employees everyone who would like to enjoy a are a crucial factor. This is one of the The extensive programme of classes particularly conscious and healthy diet. reasons why the fischer group of is regularly enhanced with new All meals are subsidised by fischer companies invests so much in health types of sports, for instance jumping so that employees can enjoy high promotion for the workforce in order fitness and fascia training, which have quality food at an attractive price. to positively support the health of each been in the programme since 2018. employee at any age, and promote Medical massage, kinesio-taping, With the many measures by corporate well-being plus motivation (SDG 3 vibration therapy, physiotherapeutic health management, fischer ensures a “Health and Well-being”). Thus it is diagnoses and creating an exercise high health ratio at its German locations, possible to see the company doctor plan have also been added. A new especially compared to companies of or take fitness classes at the Klaus offer is “skin fold measurement with similar size in Baden-Württemberg. Fischer Training Centre. Regular audits subsequent consultation”. It is ideal throughout the entire company ensure for improving exercise, diet or lifestyle, With the added flexibility of breaks that all work stations – in the office as and contributes to optimising the entire and work hours that was introduced well as in production or logistics – are system. Health subjects also play an last year, there is an even larger ergonomical. Currently, all work stations important role outside the fischer window of time to take a class are successively being equipped with fitness studio: Nutritionist Sven Bach during lunch break, and is another height-adjustable desks and acoustic supports the employees with nutrition way of promoting compatibility elements, so that they satisfy the presentations and the “Healthy nutrition between family and work life. modern office concept with a focus weeks” at the company restaurant. on ergonomics and noise reduction. In addition, the topic of “sleep” has In order to enhance this further and been picked up in seminar series increase the satisfaction of employees, The fischer group of companies has and presentations, giving interested in 2018, a works agreements was its own fitness studio for its workforce employees the opportunity to improve made at all German locations with and retirees, which can also be used the quality of their sleep with the regard to mobile work. Now employees outside of work hours. In addition to help of an external consultation. can also regularly work from home. top equipment to build up muscle or for endurance training, you can take various The company restaurant offers diverse, Occupational safety at fischer sports classes or enjoy a relaxing freshly prepared menus as well as Occupational safety and maintaining massage. Trained fitness trainers and salads or vegetable buffets daily. the health of employees has always
The fitness level of fischer employees is 17 above-average, with a health rate of 96.3 % in 2018
100.0
98.0 96.0 *94.6
Health rate in % 92.0 90.0
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
* Benchmark: Health rate in % all defined annual work days (median) — active employees (source: State Association of Baden-Württemberg Employer’s Associations (Landesvereinigung Baden-Württembergischer Arbeitgeberverbände e. V.)
Health rate at German locations from 2013 until 2018.
been a matter of fact at fischer. An mandatory trainings is provided for Support Association occupational safety structure that has all managerial staff on the topic of Also, employees and their relatives grown over many decades ensures “Responsibility in occupational safety”. are assisted in emergency situations that there is an awareness of legal and with payments from their own official requirements and that these are The employees are made aware of the Support Association. This service also comprehensively implemented. topics of occupational safety and health can be utilised when employees protection when they join the company find themselves in need through no Since 2018, a centralised contact parter or daily on the shop floor. By actively fault of their own and cannot get has coordinated and standardised supporting the employee the safety out of the situation on their own. the subject of occupational safety at topics are addressed directly while all German locations. In its function, preventative measures are worked out the colleague advises managerial and implemented. This also includes staff on the subjects of occupational psychological aspects. safety and health protection. An extensive incident analysis with In addition, this colleague coordinates corresponding measures prevents and implements safety inspections, additional, recurring incidents. and supports the execution of hazard The introduction of an occupational assessments. Primary objective: safety management system in the group Reducing work-related accidents – by of companies has been in preparation using the new accident analysis since 2019, and the Horb location has form, among other things. Risks and been certified to DIN ISO 45001 in hazards are – as before – continuously the second half of the year. Additional observed, the causes of accidents locations will be certified in 2020. are analysed and measures are introduced and implemented. Loans at favourable conditions and interest-free advances The great importance of reducing In order to help bridge financial and protecting against work-related bottleneck situations, the group accidents based on preventative of companies provide loans and measures can also be found in advances to fischer employees another area: Among other things, at very favourable conditions. Guiding Principle 03 – Stakeholder groups
Identifying stakeholder groups company group, fischer managers and the next stakeholder workshop that The fischer group of companies works councils are actively involved will take place in the first quarter of maintains open, fair, partnerly and as workforce representatives. 2020. With this approach fischer is proactive dialogue with all stakeholder establishing a best-practice example groups. This includes, for instance, Targeted dialogue - Implementing a within the framework of the WIN- employees, customers, dealers, two-day workshop Charter guiding principle dossier. sales partners, suppliers, regional For continuous and open dialogue communities, the Freudenstadt district, with all stakeholder groups, fischer societies and organisations as well as sent out an invitation for the second non-government organisations, trans- time to the “Stakeholder workshop” in regional associations, environmental Waldachtal and Horb on the Neckar groups and interested citizens. River in January 2018. With the help New perspectives and potentials of a neutral moderator, company can be obtained and derived from representatives discussed with the diversity of these groups. stakeholders the potential, deficits, opportunities and challenges of Surveying the stakeholder groups fischer's sustainability management. For open and constructive dialogue with its stakeholders, the fischer group The opinions and perspectives of the of companies invites its stakeholder heterogeneous group once again groups into the company. A materiality brought forth additional, new, practical analysis is prepared in advance by the aspects for sustainability management. participants in order to develop the The results flow into the WIN-Charter order of current essential sustainability objective concept and the further topics and derive new fields of action sustainability process of the group of for fischer from these. In addition companies. The results serve, among to the external stakeholders in the other things, as a discussion basis for 53% derof the waren goods kommen come from aus DeutschlandGermany 19 53% derof the waren goods kommen come from aus Supplier structure in the procurement DeutschlandGermany for German locations. 53% 31% derof the waren goods kommen come from aus DeutschlandGermany ausfrom der the Europäischen European Union Union
31% 11% ausfrom der the Europäischen European Union Union fromaus Asien Asia 31% ausfrom der the Europäischen European Union Union
11% fromaus Asien Asia 11% Guiding Principle 04 – Resources fromaus Asien Asia
The fischer group of companies is the environment, as described in When selecting the countries of dependent on its suppliers, world Guiding Principle 02. This is checked origin fischer follows a strict “total markets, available raw materials and during partner selection and on an cost of ownership” principle. services. In order to secure its continued ongoing basis throughout the business existence in the future, it is of key relationship. That is why even supplier This means: Unnecessary, long importance that external resources that relationships of many years are subject transport routes are avoided as much fischer requires to produce its products to the comprehensive regular audit as possible and those sources are are used in an efficient and far-sighted system, which about a third of the preferred whose standards correspond manner – in line with the global A-suppliers were assessed by in 2014. with the ecological fundamental sustainability goal to ensure sustainable rules at fischer locations. This is also patterns of consumption and production. fischer has continuously increased reflected in the supplier structure: the share of audited A-suppliers 53 % of goods come from Germany, It is necessary to define, practise and since 2015 in order to require further 31 % from European countries, and maintain a respectful, value-creating HSE-awareness (Health, Safety, and the remaining 11 % from Asia. and economical approach. Since Environment) from its suppliers as well in-house and external collaboration as product quality. In 2018, 69 % of is indispensable, the Purchasing the A-suppliers were audited, which department is working closely represented a further increase of 7 % with verging function areas. With over the previous year. The basis for the certification to ISO 14001, fischer will audit system and the prioritisation of the confirm the conformity of purchasing audit is the annual supplier assessment processes and the internal processes with the factors of quality, service, with the environmental standard. delivery performance, environmental competence and economic efficiency. Suppliers In addition to efficiency, external Both availability as well as economic partners are also assessed according efficiency influence the origin of the to the criteria of people, safety and external services required by fischer.
22 99.99%99,5% ofder the 1.520 2,100 t Abfall t of waste in 2015 was wurden reused direkt in 2018 recycelt t % 2,500 100 2.0002,000 80 1,500 60 1,000 40 Reuse rateReuse in % 500 20 Waste in t
Waste in t Waste 0 0 Reuse rate in %
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Waste amounts and reuse rates at the Tumlingen location, with regard to commercial and production waste.
Production Processes The design of new projects follows It is important to fischer that the raw At the Tumlingen location, fischer the sustainability postulate materials and production materials has permission to take water from its Sustainable handling is also observed used meet recycling and waste own spring, which is used for indirect in all processes at fischer. For instance, management requirements. The cooling purposes in the production the lubricant required in-house for return of materials is very important department and for irrigating the green cold forming is cleaned and reused in both on economic and also ecological areas. regular cycles. grounds. For instance, virtually The drinking water consumption at 100 % of waste accrued during the the Tumlingen location has remained The utilised oil quantities were reduced production of plastic dowels is reused constant, despite an increasing number by 23 % annually in this way, which internally and externally. fischer has of employees, and is about 10,000 m³ corresponds to savings of about 10,000 progressed significantly in this area per year. The increase of source water Euros per year. This project was also over the last few years and measures its consumption from 2017 to 2018 can distinguished by the state of Baden- internal reuse rate. The percentage of be traced back to the long summer Württemberg’s “100 companies for material or thermally reusable waste is period in 2018, and the resulting high resource efficiency” initiative in 2016. constantly above 99%. demand for cooling and irrigation. The percentage of drinking water from In previous years, packaging With annually increasing output the overall water consumption was optimisation of maritime freight and quantities in production, it is possible reduced. airfreight was performed with focus to reduce and prevent waste through on cost reduction. As part of the consistent implementation of measures, When it comes to weed control, optimisation several sustainability and keep waste quantities at a constant fischer says ‘no’ to herbicide. For aspects were also served. This includes, level. this reason, a device was created in for instance, lowering packaging costs, 2017, that uses the hot water method. levelling employee capacities, reducing In 2016, the individual waste fractions With the intense deep action of this injury risks and an essential reduction of were examined in even more detail in method the weeds are permanently 32 tonnes of packaging material. order to identify further potential for removed, and it is gentler on the reducing the total volume of waste. In environment and surfaces. This makes Another project in logistics was the the area of waste management, fischer the usage of herbicides on paved procurement of a new stretch system only works with certified disposers areas completely superfluous and with the goal of lowering transport who are able to guarantee proper reduces the overall usage by a third. damages as well as optimal load disposal for the group of companies. securing. Individual stretch programmes also enable a reduction of foil usage, which also prevents malfunctions, downtimes and maintenance. Manual stretching is reduced to a minimum and the placement of a wrapper by hand is no longer necessary since this is integrated in the machine. The system is also characterised by easy operation 99.99%99,5% 23 ofder the 1.520 2,100 t Abfall t of waste in 2015 was wurden reused direkt in 2018 recycelt 10,053m3 t % Source water consumption in 2018 2,500 100 m3 2.0002,000 80 3 12,000 10,000 1,500 60 10.285m10,285m 8,000 Trinkwasser-VerbrauchDrinking water consumption im Jahr in 2018 1,000 40 3 6,000
Reuse rateReuse in % 4,000 500 20 Drinking water Waste in t 2,000
Water in m Water Source water Waste in t Waste 0 0 Reuse rate in % 0
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Annul drinking water and source water consumption at the Tumlingen location.
via the SPS panel, fast roll replacement Partnership Consulting and the reduction of foil consumption The generalKennzahlen collaboration with fischer The linking of lean management per pallet. suppliers is a vibrant partnership. It is approaches with sustainable resource Trinkwcharacterisedasserverbrauch by 2016:mutual 9.605 appreciation. m³ efficiency offers high savings potential Injection moulding technology of The following principle applies: "It is along the entire value creation chain. physical foaming reduces the usage of not easy to supply us, but whoever For fischer Consulting GmbH, value resources. By using MuCell® injection manages it does it as a partner of stream mapping - with the aim of moulding technology it is possible the house.” If suppliers fulfil the high sustainable removal of waste in terms to reduce resource usage of energy requirements relating to quality, of "lean" and "resource usage” - is the and petroleum-based plastic in the environment, innovation and costs, they focus of the consulting. This includes production of fischer automotive can expect a long-term partnership. – in addition to in-house company systems with improved dimension process interfaces – both suppliers as stability. At the same time customer In order to make an important well as end users. satisfaction increases as it is a matter of contribution to the future and the a lightweight construction method with income situation, the task of the Critical here is the fact that in the function-specific wall-thickness layout, fischer group of companies and its future, development, planning and compared to fill-oriented compact partners is constantly and consistently production departments will work injection moulding. to search for possibilities of designing together ever earlier and more products simpler and more affordably efficiently in order to create general Material Flow Cost Accounting (MFCA): while maintaining quality. At the conditions in the early phase of the The manufacturing processes were same time, less material should be product development process, which analysed for various products in the consumed. In-house this is being ensures the most efficient and resource- fastening systems segment based on described as refinement. For instance, conserving manufacturing of products the materials flow cost accounting in various projects the dimensions of and provision of services possible. (MFCA) to determine the process steel products are modified in such a system and the material & energy flow way that since this was implemented Experience shows that with the balancing. The insights we have made several tonnes of raw material per successful implementation of the are extended to other products via the year have been conserved, with the fischer process system principles, the system and potentials are derived. same batch size and better quality. The company is laying the foundations for implemented ongoing improvements a sustainably positive environmental Lowering tool costs in metal processing: with regard to sustainability play balance. Thereby providing a An increase in the oil quality for metal on the specific specifications of the benefit to all process partners. processing leads to an extension of twelfth global sustainability target: tool downtime and thereby also to prevention,reduction, recycling considerable savings in tool costs. and reuse of waste (SDG 12).
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Guiding Principle 05 – Energy and emissions
For decades, the fischer group of the validity of the assessment. Since companies has engaged in active the introduction of ISO-50001, environmental and energy management. fischer plans an increase of energy This topic is firmly anchored in the efficiency by 1.5 % per year. This goal, fischer mission statement and supports which is anchored in the company the global sustainability target 7 (SDG strategy, has since been achieved 7) “Affordable and clean energy”. The every year. The following aspects environment management system was have contributed to the achievement already certified to ISO 14001 in 1997. of this goal: With the optimisation of The successful implementation of an manufacturing processes as part of energy management system was then the fischer ProcessSystem, the output documented in 2013, with certification production has been increased to a in accordance with ISO 50001. fischer greater degree than the amount of thereby satisfied the legal requirement energy required for it. With regard to two years before it became effective. input, energy consumption has been reduced continuously by implementing energy saving measures. This positive development is reflected in the development of energy key figures. An internal energy team, comprised Energy of managers from energy-related departments, works across locations In addition to reviewing its absolute and ensures a constant and systematic energy consumption, fischer assesses improvement of energy efficiency. energy efficiency by linking energy consumption with defined reference The improvement measures include, values. This type of key figure creation for instance, the procurement of more is oriented on the definition of the efficient production systems, permanent technical degree of usage: optimisation of the periphery, for Output (usage) with regard to input instance air compressor and process (expenditure) within defined system cooling; switching conventional lighting limits. In accordance with ISO 50001, systems to LED technology, and the these key figures are called energy installation of more efficient ventilation performance indicators (EnPIs). and pump systems. Furthermore, Energy is considered as system input the successive establishment of the here. An example of system output energy meter structure increases is the processed material quantities the transparency of the energy flow. in the production areas. In this way, In this way, additional areas and production capacity utilisation is systems are monitored in order to considered a main influencing variable identify optimisation measures and for energy consumption, increasing implement them in a targeted manner.
Not as strong of an increase, in relation to revenue growth, is the CO2 emission
20,000 As of 2018, provided with green electricity 15,000 Electricity 10,000 Natural gas 5,000 Heating oil emission in t 2 Diesel
CO 0
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
CO2 emissions in tonnes (Scope 1 and Scope 2) at German fischer locations.
Emissions Carbon dioxide: In accordance with the In 2017, the sum of CO2 emissions of Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) the German fischer locations (balance Noise: In order to assess environmental there is a differentiation made between areas Scope 1 plus Scope 2) was still impact from noise emissions, fischer three emission areas (scopes) for carbon 18,646 tonnes. 79 % of it was indirect keeps a noise register that assesses dioxide: emissions from the energy suppliers’ and documents the acoustic impact electricity generation. The share from of German factories on neighbouring Scope 1: Direct CO2 emissions from Scope 2 was completely saved, since all residential areas. The noise register burning fossil energy sources. German locations have been supplied is updated if there are any significant with green electricity since the start of changes. Scope 2: Indirect CO2 emissions from the 2018. It stems completely from facilities energy supplier’s generation of energy. that generate electricity from renewable Harmful substances: In order to comply When determining the Scope 2, fischer energies. The corresponding certificates with limit values at work stations, uses an average CO2 emissions faction from the energy providers have been emissions measurement has been as a basis. It is released by the Federal provided. Yet fischer still strives to reduce integrated as a permanent component Environment Agency and reflects the its greenhouse gases, despite planned of the maintenance processes. German electricity mix. revenue growth. With the support of an external consulting firm, the plan is to set- Furthermore, the exhaust air that Scope 3: Indirect CO2 emissions from up CO2 balancing, with special focus on is emitted into the environment via upstream and downstream company Scope 3. This data basis will then enable the ventilation systems is checked activities. the planning of corresponding measures. for compliance with the stipulated concentration of harmful substances. Depending on the measured results, fischer derives potential measures to keep the air clean.
Example station on the Blue Path Guiding Principle 06 – Product responsibility
fischer products are used in many The development engineers design materials that can be recycled easily. areas of daily life and by virtually the products in accordance with the Then the product is ready to deliver. all age groups. This results in the requirements, thereby ensuring the company’s responsibility to always selection of sustainable and long- Product responsibility does not end here. deliver best quality products. lasting materials. Resource-conserving The product is transported to the dealer processes are worked out together or directly to the user. Here the focus is The fischer group of companies with production, and a product on low-emission transport. Unnecessary has taken on this responsibility and emerges that can be produced in an transport routes are also avoided. continuously works on increasing the environmentally compatible manner, high product quality even further. with low manufacturing costs. Depending on the region and the Again and again, customer-specific application, fischer products must This process, known in-house as the solutions are developed – especially satisfy various quality standards and fischer ProcessSystem, begins long in the area of fischer automotive also partially provide corresponding before the product is ready for sale. Even systems, this is the order of the day. certificates. It is in the company's when there is an idea for a new product, it responsibility that everyone who is ensured that its use is convenient, easy Another goal is to keep hazards requires the certificate for the and unmistakeable for customers. Product that could emanate from individual respective product also receives it. managers and application engineers are products to a minimum. This includes in constant dialogue with end-users, but refraining from using substances The sales partners and customers of also with those involved in the supply that are harmful to health or the the group of companies should have chain in order to become familiar with environment and replacing them enough time to use the products – even requirements on all sides. High quality with harmless substances. if they last indefinitely. This is why products are no coincidence – when above-average storage-stability has a it comes to determining requirements Organisation is vital. This applies in special importance. For instance, the and the subsequent development particular to fischer production. Clear two-component reaction cartridges work, fischer focuses on the product sequences, clean tools and good can be stored for up to three years. development process. This ensures that planning are the basis for efficient nothing is forgotten and all process steps production and high quality. Whenever Later, when the product is in use, are optimally passed through. possible, products are packaged in the appropriate service life must be 29
RawRohmaterial material
WiederverReuse - EntsorgungDisposal
Product WiederverRecycling- AbfallWaste HerstellungProduction life cycle
Transport NutzungUse Depiction InstallationMontage Product life cycle
ensured. When it comes to steel anchors and chemical fastenings, an operating life of at least 50 years is expected – in part even 100 years.
At the end of a long product life, it is time for recycling or reuse. In this way, steel parts from our fastening systems can be put into metal reprocessing after removal from the structure. If the processing of plastic parts is not economically viable, they can at least be thermally reused. Packaging is processed in paper recycling or a recycling system such as the Germany dual system. The usage of our anchors does not have to be one-time usage. For instance, the fischer concrete screw ULTRACUT FBS II can be disassembled and reused several times for the temporary fastening of construction site equipment.
32
809 M € 864 M € 711 M € 745 M € 628 M € 660 M € Gross revenue in € million fischer group of companies — Gross revenue in € million
Employees: Abroad Trainees & dual-study students Employees: inland 5.2005,200 Mitarbeiteemployeesr of employees Number erwirtschaftengenerated 864 864M € Mio.gross € revenue Bruttoumsatz in 2018 in 2018 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 fischer group of companies — Number of employees
Guiding Principle 07 – Company success and workplaces
Commitment to our own At fischer, the following applies: “The As ideal preparation of trainees and employees and society biggest asset and the most important dual-study students for the labour success factor in our company are market, fischer conveys expert Not only is the fischer group of the employees – not systems and knowledge and places particular companies economically successful, it buildings!” says company owner Prof. value on personal development. This also has great future potential. The long- Klaus Fischer. The company has a social is supported by various seminars on term company success is ensured by the responsibility towards its employees and team work, communication, the fischer sustainable generation of profits in five society, by facing current challenges ProcessSystem and the independent company areas, which also secure jobs and addressing the internal and external organisation of projects, as well as by in the region. In addition to the revenue, requirements of various stakeholder the annual trainee information day. the number of fischer employees groups in an appropriate manner. In addition to the usual certificates, continues to grow worldwide. Both thanks to this training programme developments confirm that fischer Training and studies every graduate also receives the "fit for is an internationally successful and The diversity of the training is reflected future” certificate, which confirms that growing company. Continuous, healthy in the 31 offered training and dual the contents of the graduates' training growth in revenue enables, among courses of study in which about 40 new extend far beyond the normal standard. other things, extensive investments in applicants start their careers every year. training and the creation of more jobs. Trainees and dual-study students are As it is becoming ever more By encouraging long-term, inclusive and active at all German company locations. important in these times of growing sustainable economic growth as well internationalisation to look at our own productive full employment and decent The fischer group of companies foreign-language and intercultural work for all, fischer targets SDG 8. trains beyond requirements thereby competences at an early stage in investing sustainably in young people practice and to develop these further, The basis for the company's success who are given future opportunities fischer offers its apprentices and is the company's mission statement with a high quality training – both dual-study students the opportunity with its values. It also anchors the within the company or on the labour to visit one of the 47 subsidiaries. goal of generating the necessary market. In so doing, the company There are various opportunities to profit required for the successful also ensures its own young skilled do so: Language trips with financial advancement and future security staff. And this supports young support, work assignments with an of the group of companies. people's start into working life. additional visit to a language school for trainees, or a practical and/or theory the management career path and programmes are women, whereby the semester for dual-study students. another development opportunity quota has increased significantly where specialised expertise is promoted compared to the previous years. In Social responsibility towards in a targeted manner and made principle, advanced training at fischer is its own employees available for the company. There is also possible at any time and in any phase of special promotion of young talent within life - independent of age. Employees characterise the company the Junior Talent Pool programme. The each and every day with their development programme offers an know-how and their commitment. In opportunity for orientation and personal order for them to perform well, stay development. As part of the new motivated and healthy, fischer offers Academic Talent Pool created in 2018, various opportunities that appeal employees also have the opportunity to to various target groups in their study or do their doctorate in addition to respective areas of life. Anyone can working at fischer. use these offers and profit from them. In order to also promote employees in Support programmes production and logistics who do not Education and training has a high have an education or one from a priority at fischer. The opportunities for different field, another qualification life-long learning are promoted and programme was created in 2018: The supported by various measures by the new employee academy now enables company. Management and expert another target group to have positions are staffed from the customised further training with a company’s own workforce as much as certificate programme. possible. The Management Talent Pool prepares employees specifically for fischer has made it its goal to offer future management tasks. In order to women and men equal career increase the opportunities for opportunities within the group of advancement at fischer, the Expert companies. 30 to 40 % of the Talent Pool is a strategic supplement to participants in the various support Developing managerial staff Welcome days Fair payment fischer offers its managerial staff In order to give all new employees Employees by a collective pay agreement a defined concept of strategic an ideal entry into the fischer family, receive appropriate remuneration and needs-oriented measures that every quarter there is an introduction within the framework of the Metal- contributes to ongoing coaching of week that focuses on getting to know collective agreement. In addition to management work and prepares them the group of companies. In addition the collectively agreed holiday and for actual challenges. These extensive to practical support in production Christmas pay, a voluntary fischer programmes help the managers of all and logistics, employees become special annual payment is also provided. hierarchy levels. The fischer group of familiar with the mission statement After six months of employment, companies expects management to be and the philosophy of the fischer employees also receive the collectively performed respectfully in accordance ProcessSystem, as well as lots of arranged allowances for occupational with the mission statement. In 2018, a interdisciplinary and company-specific pension schemes. In addition to the management handbook was released content. Among other things, fischer's later statutory pension, a monthly based on company values that sustainability management is also contribution is paid for each employee summarised the guidelines, tasks and introduced here. This way, everyone has into a pension fund. Another payment tools for effective management within the same starting requisites. that is not required according to scale the fischer group of companies. is our "fischer pension". After a specific period of service, annual contributions are paid into a supplemental pension fund for each employee. 35
Prizes and awards “Red Dot Award: Product Design The winner was determined by the The company's success can also 2019” – just three months after Capital business journal and the talent be seen based on appreciation being introduced to the market. platform Ausbildung.de as part of from our customers and recognized a Germany-wide survey of current experts. Every prize or award that we In addition, fischer was distinguished training standards. The “Germany's have received is valuable to fischer by Deutschland Test, the Focus Money Best Training Company 2019” because it proves that the group of business journal, and the Institute for confirms the high quality training once companies continues to develop and Management and Economic Research, again – fischer was even selected as improve itself. One example of this and can now feature the “Germany’s the”Industry Winner” in its category. is the “Digital Champions Award” Best Provider of Construction After placing as a finalist in the previous for the “fischer Professional” app in Supplies” seal. The basis for this was year, in November 2019 fischer was the “Digital customer experience” an evaluation of 20,000 brands in awarded the German Sustainability category. It attests that the company is various categories. Also, fischer was Prize. More information to follow in advancing digitisation in the regional honoured as a “German traditional our Sustainability Brochure 2020. economy and actively promoting it. brand” with the Plus X Award. Objectives Another award-winning product fischer also set standards as a Industry 4.0 and digitalisation are from the house of fischer: The new training employer: The company once treated as sub-projects of sustainability. DUOBLADE plasterboard dowel that again qualified as the “Best Trainer The focus will be on employees was awarded the Red Dot in the Germany” with excellent results. and their work environments. Guiding Principle 08 – Sustainable innovations
The fischer name has always stood regard to performance, quality, safety first compound anchor with fischer for innovations. In 1949, company and sustainability. This is important threaded rod RG M, which can be used founder Artur Fischer invented the flash because the products are a part of without any drill hole cleaning, even in unit for cameras with synchronous overall systems and must function cracked concrete. This innovative anchor activation, and in 1958 the legendary perfectly with the interfaces. For not only saves valuable installation time, S-dowel followed, which is still the example, to date of the 32 of over 50 it also follows the Poka Yoke principle symbol of fischer today and even of approved fastening systems hollow drills by helping prevent installation errors the entire fastening segment. fischer are integrated in the approval documents from inadequate drill hole cleaning. is the owner of over 1,500 protective so that the processors can use an In addition, the dust emissions from rights. 20-times more patents are innovative drilling method that enables installation are considerably reduced. registered from the workforce than faster progress and where additional from the average German economy. drill hole cleaning is not required. As the first manufacturer worldwide Approximately one third of these fischer is also producing dowels primarily patents are directly implemented in new In addition, compared to conventional from renewable raw materials. All products, procedures or applications. hammer drilling the fine dust load is products in the greenline assortment are The industry average here is 10 %. reduced by over 95 % with hollow produced from at least 50 % renewable drilling. In order to further enhance raw materials. These do not compete The percentage of new products the system concept and provide with food and feed products or with is measured in relation to the customers the security that all corresponding cultivation areas. The entire assortment. In 2018, the system components are aligned regenerative material percentage is new product quota was 9.3 %. properly, fischer’s drill assortment always confirmed by independent testing has been expanded to include a and certification by the DIN CERTCO The construction engineers, mechanical hollow drill assortment. The planned / TÜV Rhineland. The products are in engineers, materials experts, chemists introduction of a vacuum in 2019 the "BIOBASED 50 85 %" class. For the and engineers for energy and also highlights this system concept. injection mortar FIS GREEN, chemists environmental technology at fischer at fischer developed formulas that work closely with suppliers and partners In spring 2017, the resin anchor RM II utilise renewable raw materials. To date, in order to create the best products with was introduced. The RM II is the world's this is unique in the world. Also the 37
fischer innovations
fischer RM II, the world's first compound anchor with fischer threaded rod RG M that can be installed without any drill hole cleaning, in cracked concrete. Reduced installation errors and dust emission.
fischerDUOPOWER , the intelligent two-component dowel with the three-function spreader, flaps and knots, automatically selects the appropriate functional principle depending on the building material.
fischer greenline,the first fastening assortment worldwide, with dowels and injection mortar, 50 % produced from renewable raw materials.
designers of the FIS GREEN cartridges the help of the ongoing improvement ■ Opening the innovation process faced the challenges that came with process (introduced 2001) and the externally (open innovation) via processing plastics from renewable raw fischer ProcessSystem (introduced consistent customer orientation and materials. For this innovative product, 2005, entirety of our business exchange with suppliers via TRIZ. fischer 2014 came second in the processes and the organisational TRIZ (Teoria reschenija innovation prize "Bio-based Material of principle with which we align it with isobretatjelskich sadatsch) is Russian the Year", which was awarded at the our goal) that developed from it, and basically translates as “Theory International Conference on Bio-based and with the fischer IdeasProcess of inventive problem solving”. This Materials. For fischer, sustainability (introduced 2006, process for is about direct dialogue with fischer not only means a certain degree of improvement suggestions). customers and sharing personal innovative capacity, it also means high experience (planners, construction site, requirements for product quality. ■ Involving and motivating all employees competence centre, trade, etc.). with bonuses, an annual fPS prize and With regard to quality standards, inventor remuneration. ■ Creation of structured sustainability- the fischer group of companies sets oriented innovation management high benchmarks for itself with its ■ Ongoing accompaniment of (holding innovation workshops, for fixing systems, automotive systems, the innovation process by the example with the involvement of 3R fischertechnik, fischer Consulting management via the Product Policy thinking - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and LNT Automation divisions. Board (management committee for - and introduction of an IT-based development projects). standard process with PDP (Product The foundation for successful Development Process) and fipatis innovations were already laid many ■ Roadmap (overview of development (fischer patent information system). years ago and continuously developed projects). It displays development through additional targeted measures: projects with their most important The way in which sustainable key data, such as scheduling and innovation is handled and practised at ■ Creation of an open and innovative strategic assessment, and serves as fischer adds to the promotion of SDG company culture based on the mission a foundation for the Product Policy 9 innovations and the establishment of statement (introduced in 1987) with Board. infrastructures. 38
Guiding Principle 09 – Financial decisions
As an owner-managed company, the done with institutions with which there group of companies. In addition to fischer group of companies places great has been a trusting relationship of economic aspects, employee matters value on the highest possible degree many years. As part of the financing and environmental aspects are also of autonomy and independence. This decision, fischer also ensures that included in investment decisions. also means that the capital requirement sustainable financial manoeuvrability for investments and operative business is always ensured. Financing is comes from own funds. If external generally declined that would limit financing should be necessary or the group of companies’ autonomy, or beneficial, when choosing finance include risks for the company. When it partners the focus is on their reputation, comes to investments, focus is on the creditworthiness and how they deal sustainable economic development with stakeholders. Financing is generally and long-term success of the fischer
Guiding Principle 10 – Anti-corruption
fischer condemns any type of corruption each individual that is in line with benefits, selecting suppliers and service and benefit gained from illegal and all applicable laws, fischer's mission providers, and dealing with information, unethical practices. This applies to all statement and internal guidelines. as well rules for implementation, activities in the group of companies including the definition of the central and also for all countries in which In order to ensure and encourage contact points to report violations. An fischer is active. “reputable” has been compliant conduct, managers and online decision-making aid has also been a basic value in the company's mission employees are annually trained as part set up to help with handling benefits. statement for decades, and excludes any of the training programme in the mission form of bribery (active corruption) and statement and in compliance. This gives venality (passive corruption). A breach employees the tools to make the right of the company's values is not accepted decisions in difficult situations and and will be investigated accordingly. minimise risks. One area of focus is to convey to employees how corruption, Compliance is restricted at fischer fraud, embezzlement and breaches but not just to anti-corruption of trust can be avoided. The works measures. Much more, compliance agreement “Code of Conduct” contains requires responsible action from binding rules of conduct when handling
Guiding Principle 11 – Regional added-value
Social responsibility towards society
Among other things, we administer Erzählwerkstatt (fischer’s own story to a highly topical subject: “Artificial our social responsibility by involving tent), TECHNOlino, KieWi (children intelligence – Can we keep up?”. the region in a number of our discover industry), KiTec (children Over 200 future graduates as well as projects. In this way, fischer makes discover technology), School2Start-Up trainees and dual-study students from an important contribution to and SIA (school pupil engineering the company discussed important attaining Sustainable Development academy) and TECademy projects with questions about the future of digital Goal 9: Establishing a reliable numerous nurseries and schools. development with experts from infrastructure, promoting inclusive politics, economics and science. and sustainable industrialisation, Qualified employees are essential in and supporting innovations. order to be competitive going forward. Daycare centre (uniting The path for this is not only set in the family and work) Knowledge factory / School corporate training, but much earlier. This Family and work – this should be easy to campaigns / Education initiatives is why the fischer group of companies combine, especially in a family-run com- Together with over 120 companies and promotes the talent of young people pany. The fischer group of companies foundations from various sectors, fischer in numerous education projects and support parents with a flexible working has been committed to supporting initiatives in kindergartens, primary hours model and with the Waldachtal knowledge-transfer and the development schools and secondary schools. The daycare centre. The cooperation with of competence in technology, fischer School Campaign is aimed the daycare centre offers employees science, economic education and at school pupils who are supported many new possibilities. Thanks to this entrepreneurship - both financially and in their career orientation. Thanks establishment, care options for kids - with personnel. Company owner Prof. to mentoring by education officers from infants to those ready for grade Klaus Fischer was active as a founding from fischer, more than 50 schools 1 - is available in the direct vicinity of the member of the Knowledge Factory in the area around the headquarters company. fischer supports the daycare from the start, in order to support in Waldachtal are supported with centre not just organisationally, but also pre-school and school children with programmes preparing school financially and through various projects innovative education projects, to feed children for the professional world. that benefit the educators and primarily their thirst for knowledge and curiosity all the children at the centre. Prof. Klaus and thus to support their development. The 8th forum for high school graduates Fischer supported the construction of the In this framework, the fischer group of in 2018 organised by the fischer daycare centre “In Heaven” (Im Himmel- companies is successfully realising the group of companies was devoted reich) with a sum of one million Euros. DrachenEi (Dragon egg) opens its doors to the curious children Fire Department” for its activities as a Since 2013, the trainees and dual- of employees. They get to experience voluntary fire brigade member and for its study students of the fischer group where their parents work and what support in exercising its duties. In 2016, of companies have been supporting tasks they supervise. A colourful the Ministry of the Interior of Baden- the DrachenEi initiative with great accompanying programme rounds off Württemberg presented fischer with enthusiasm. With the money gained the day. the “Honorary Office Employer” award. from independently organised campaigns, they support children ■ “Discover cooking with fischer”: The For many years, fischer has supported from the district, who because of their little ones learn how much fun it can be the fire services in the area around financial situation, do not have the to prepare a tasty and healthy menu. its headquarters in Waldachtal and possibility to learn in clubs or take The team at the in-house company other German locations. In 2015 courses, or to participate in musical, restaurant provides a glimpse behind and 2016 fischer equipped the sporting and cultural programmes. the scenes and employees find out Voluntary Fire Brigades in Horb and Over 15,000 Euros were raised. more about the subject and get active Waldachtal with a fire engine each. in various kid-friendly cooking courses. At the suggestion of the District Fire Projects for the children Brigade Association of Freudenstadt, of employees Local clubs in September 2016, the fischer group ■ “My Dad is reading”: This project is fischer regularly supports regional of companies received the “Honorary aimed at all working fathers and mothers clubs in their volunteer activities with Office Employer in Civil Protection” prize of children up to the age of twelve. in-kind and monetary donations. from the state of Baden-Württemberg. The goal is to give parents – especially fathers – the opportunity to show up Fire brigades Sponsoring for their children as reading role models The fischer factory fire brigade was fischer supports three regional soccer and take on their role as promoters of founded in 1970, and six years later clubs and additional sports clubs reading. Every Friday, employees get a it was recognized by the regional and individuals. For instance, three- new story from the reading foundation council and was the only factory fire time Olympic Champion, World and with added tips for reading (aloud). department accepted into the District European Champion in equestrian Fire Brigade Association of the district eventing, Michael Jung from Horb- ■ “Where do mom and dad work?”: of Freudenstadt. In 2008, fischer Altheim, is intensively supported. On these promotional days, fischer was honoured as a “Partner of the 42
Research and teaching the ecological and economic usage Personal commitment In recognition of his commitment of many materials is limited. The Company owner, Prof. Klaus Fischer, is to research, company owner Prof. “Bio-based Construction” endowed very active in supporting educational Klaus Fischer received the State’s professorship set up for four years by measures and social establishments. Order for Merit in May 2018. On the Prof. Klaus Fischer in spring 2017, In spring 2015, he started the Klaus occasion, Minister-President Winfried researches load-bearing systems and Fischer Foundation to support the Kretschmann had the following to structures based on forms in nature. education of children and youth. say: “The promotion of the next The interdisciplinary professorship His generous financial commitment scientific generation in particular has covers the areas of constructive can be seen in many projects, like taken great steps forward in many design, creative design of structures, the children's daycare centre in areas thanks to his commitment.” and resource-efficient construction. Waldachtal. But also schools and Furthermore, fischer supports the new day nurseries in the district profit fischer also supports endowed foundation of the Nordschwarzwald from his donations, along with clubs professorships in collaboration campus in Freudenstadt with and organisations, which have made with universities. The goal is to money and content. The company supporting children and young people promote research and development provides lecturers and lecture their aim. On his birthday, he donated at universities and to form its scripts in the subjects of digitisation 100,000 Euros in Germany for young implementation through knowledge- and sustainability for the Master’s people's educations and in Italy, the transfer. In 2015, fischer provided degree in Mechanical Engineering. foreign country with the largest fischer the University of Stuttgart with subsidiary, he donated 65,000 Euros close to 1.6 million Euros for a Luftikus (happy-go-lucky) for schools, nurseries and children period of six years. This allowed fischer supported the project Luftikus, with cancer. the junior professorship “Innovative in which a children's house was reinforcement methods with built in the region where long-term fastenings” to be set up, equipped ventilated children are looked after. and implemented. The endowed The project was completed in 2015. junior professorship is conceived as The former Morlok ski factory in an interdisciplinary professorship in Baiersbronn was cleverly converted order to combine the areas of material into an attractive and practically science, fastening technology and designed house for ventilated children building surveying. It is domiciled and their families. As a member of in the Faculty of Construction the Board of Trustees, Prof. Klaus and Engineering at the Institute Fischer personally supported the of Construction Materials (IWB). campaign and assisted it with material Globally there is currently no other support. fischer provided tailwind professorship with an equivalent with fastening technology for the orientation. An essential requirement individual trade groups as well as for human life is the sustainable with donations. This exemplary use of natural resources. However attitude prompted many other the knowledge of the technical companies to advance the project options that can be realised from with services and contributions.
Guiding Principle 12 – Incentives to rethink
The topics of sustainability ecological and social respect. It field), the fischer ProductProcess management are closely linked rests on the three dimensions of (suggested products or improvement with the strategic goal setting of sustainability and prevents wastage potential) and the imaginative idea the fischer group of companies, where it would usually appear. The (smallest idea). The condition for and are broken down as such in goal is a streamlined and flexible imaginative idea is that it must be the annual Hoshin planning for company that can stand up to implemented within ten days of individual divisions. Challenges such the global challenges with the submission. The goal is that every as digitisation, Industry 4.0, and involvement of all its employees. employee submits at least three the change management required The targeted employee development imaginative ideas every year. for it are seen as sub-projects for and the structures created for it are sustainability management. the basis for ongoing improvement. Through the many improvement All employees can apply for the measures in the previous years, the At the presentation of the German three-level fPS training. In addition, group of companies has been able Sustainability Prize in October 2018, each fall the fPS prize is awarded, to master several challenges and the fischer group of companies was sponsored by company owner Prof. make its contribution to achieving already amongst the Top 3 in the Klaus Fischer. Within this context, the Sustainable Development Goals “large company” category. Only one particularly innovative performances (SDGs). The next challenges are year later, the company was honoured of the in-house improvement system digitisation and Industry 4.0: Along with the coveted award. The high-level are honoured – since 2018, also in this path the fischer workforce is jury justified its decision with the the special category of Sustainability. at the centre of it all. The Klaus firm anchoring of sustainability in the Fischer Training Centre (BiZ) is a company strategy, as well as with the As an innovative company fischer voluntary education centre. It offers above-average innovative power of has a great interest in accepting and all employees the opportunity to the company through the successful implementing its employees’ ideas. participate in various events free integration of the employees. The There are various ways ideas can be of charge. The offer ranges from fischer ProcessSystem (fPS) serves as submitted: the fischer IdeasProcess general educational seminars and an essential success factor for ongoing (measurable suggested improvements presentations to language courses and improvement, both in an economic, from one's own or another working current office trainings. Among other things, the subject of “Sustainability and tools that will support them as – a term with many definitions, and best as possible during the change. what it means to us” is also trained. This ensures that the focus is always In addition to the dependable on the common goal of sustainably training courses the fischer group securing the company and handling of companies also offers various related developments collectively. e-learning programmes – remotely and around the clock. In this way, employees are accompanied on the path to digitisation and the sustainable success of innovative leaps is ensured.
On the path to digitisation and with respect to the challenges that Industry 4.0 brings, change management will also gain significance in addition to employee qualification. fischer illuminates the change process both on a factual as well as a relational level. Only when the balance between the two levels has been guaranteed can a team provide their best performance and be effective together in change projects. In order to achieve this, the awareness of managerial staff in the group of companies must be raised for the change processes. Furthermore, all employees will be given methods 46
Outlook
fischer sustainability management 2019 is the result of an ongoing department- overlapping improvement process.
After the introductory project status had expired in 2016, sustainability management shifted to an ongoing programme.
In this way, sustainability activities at fischer can continue to react to the current and future framework conditions of the company.
The resulting measures are integrated into the company's target concept with the involvement of stakeholders. Sustainability therefore remains a firm component of the fischer company strategy.
Status 12-2019
Legal notice
Responsible for content: fischer Sustainability Team under the direction of Christian Ziegler with the support of Dr. Gerhard Keck
fischerwerke GmbH & Co. KG Klaus-Fischer-Strasse 1 72178 Waldachtal Germany Tel. +49 7443 12-0 [email protected] www.fischer.de XXXXXX (1) . 01/2020 V-MKS