75 years of Egokiefer: Tradition and Innovation

The magazine of AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG Summer 2007
Successful Page 4
EgoKiefer celebrates
and looks
ahead to the future
75 years of EgoKiefer:
Tradition and Innovation
n Heating Technology and Sanitary Equipment Pages 16 – 21
n Kitchens and Refrigeration Pages 22 – 27
n Windows and Doors Pages 28 – 33
n Steel Technology Pages 34 – 39
n Surface Technology Pages 40 – 45
Highlight Page 12
The AFG Corporate
Center grows
Global market Page 26
Miele Kitchens
in Korea

Contents
n Prelude
Editorial ............................................................................ 1
n In a nutshell
News ................................................................................ 2
n Focus
75 years of EgoKiefer: fascinating encounters ................... 4
n AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG
AFG half-yearly report 2007 .............................................. 10
AFG goes back to school ................................................... 10
Corporate Center: move-in set for November 2007 ........... 12
New: AFG sponsors Swiss yachting .................................... 13
Success at the «Eidgenössisches Turnfest» ......................... 13
AFG electronic press kit – available at www.afg.ch .............. 14
Building bridges with the AFG ARENA ............................... 15
n Heating Technology and Sanitary Equipment
Shiny worlds of experience at the ISH ................................ 17
xlink: the perfect combination! ......................................... 18
Russia: first we supplied the heating systems,
now the showers .............................................................. 18
Therm X2 panel radiators lower costs by up to 20% .......... 19
Kermi: even more efficient with EDI ................................... 20
Arbonia and Prolux: «Faites vos jeux!» .............................. 20
Arbonia and Kermi unlock the Italian market ..................... 21
2007 TGA congress at Kermi ............................................. 21
n Kitchens and Refrigeration
Forster kitchen at 3258 m ................................................. 23
New: Forster kitchen centre Rupperswil ............................. 24
Forster kitchens in Hohenems ............................................ 24
Bruno Piatti AG: logistics as a position for strategic success 25
Miele Kitchens in South Korea ........................................... 26
Piatti: ISO 14001 for environment management ................ 26
Giuseppe Giussani integrates Miele Kitchens in St.Moritz .. 27
n Windows and Doors
Welcome to the new EgoKiefer competence centre! ......... 29
House of the future with EgoKiefer windows ..................... 30
Climate Cent: EgoKiefer as a role model ............................. 30
EgoKiefer window profiles: top eco-classification ............... 31
PrefSUITE: knowledge at a click .......................................... 31
RWD Schlatter and Empa: joint fire protection test ............. 32
RWD Schlatter: successful burglary protection ................... 33
RWD Schlatter passes on its experience ............................. 33
Made in Switzerland ......................................................... 33
n Steel Technology
Forster Steel Technology: shining premiere in Spain ........... 35
Forster unico: new system – new shine .............................. 36
Major project in Barcelona with Forster unico .................... 37
Immomesse: Forster shines ................................................ 38
Forster Profile Systems: new sales network in Germany ..... 38
Drawn profiles: from the idea to the product ..................... 39
n Surface Technology
STI | Hartchrom with state-of-the-art infrastructure ........... 41
STI | Hartchrom: a powerhouse! ....................................... 42
Environmentally sound business: the key to survival! ......... 44
STI Worldwide Repair Service: unique! ............................. 45
STI | Hartchrom: now also in construction ......................... 45
Imprint
AFG WORLD, the magazine of AFG Arbonia-Forster-
Holding AG, appears three times a year in four
languages in Switzerland, Germany and the Czech
Republic, as well as in other countries around the world.
Circulation 23,500
Editorial address
AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG
Editorial AFG WORLD
Dr. Stefan Holenstein
P.O. Box 134
CH-9320 Arbon, Thurgau
T +41 71 447 41 41
F +41 71 447 45 88
afgworld@afg.ch
Production
Concept/Layout/Text Editorial:
E,T&H Werbeagentur AG BSW,
CH-9401 Rorschach, SG
Printing: Druckerei Flawil AG, CH-9230 Flawil, SG
Title image: EgoKiefer headquarters in Altstätten, SG

Focus Prelude
Full of verve into
the second half of 2007
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear employees
Up to now our forecasts have proved to be correct, and as expected
the economy has developed very well. The fact that this
positive development is holding up unabated is also reflected in
the very good half-yearly results of AFG for 2007. For AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding
AG, whose fields of business – according
to the particular orientation of the divisions – depend more or
less directly on the economic situation within the building trade,
this means order books which are full and capacity which is
booked up to the hilt. These challenges, which must go hand in
hand with consistently high quality and a top level of service for
our customers, are something we face with relish. No surprise
then that we are looking forward to the second period of 2007
with that much more confidence.
Focussing on internationalisation
One of the targets we have set ourselves for the coming months
is to actively press on with further internationalisation of AFG in
Eastern Europe and in the Middle and Far East. Here, there is still
a lot of catching-up to do in order to meet the pent-up demand
for new homes and new commercial/industry buildings as well as
for redevelopment and renovation work. We aim to increase our
net share in foreign markets, i.e. outside our domestic markets in
Germany and Switzerland, from a current level of 22% to
around 50% in the future. The response to our innovative brand
products is very positive, particularly in the new EU member
states and the Middle and Far East. We have been able to secure
a number of good orders there recently. Despite our hectic dayto-day
business and various strategic challenges, I have taken the
time to prepare a few thoughts about our special anniversary.
Indeed, at AFG the current year is entirely shaped by the
company’s anniversary: after all, AFG-Holding has turned 20,
STI | Hart chrom 50, EgoKiefer 75 and Forster Kitchens and Steel
Techno logy is now 85 years old – albeit with the same levels
of enthusiasm and commitment as ever.
75 years of EgoKiefer – and not a hint
of things slowing down yet
This year, one of our «flagships» – EgoKiefer AG – celebrates its
75 th anniversary. The official celebrations took place on June
8 and 9. In recent decades, EgoKiefer – a company which grew
from humble beginnings as a small joiner’s workshop – has
emerged as the leading manufacturer of windows and has distinguished
itself with numerous international design, technology
and environmental management awards. An excellent – and the
most recent – example is the award-winning XL ® window technology.
This window sets new standards in terms of energy and
the environment by helping measurably to save energy. However,
anyone who looks back of the history of EgoKiefer will soon
notice that the path from then to now has been anything but
straightforward. Far from it – it is dotted with many highs and
lows as well as various changes in name and ownership. This is
one of the reasons why I am still proud to this day that we managed
the acquisition of EgoKiefer from the estate of Uniwood
Holding AG (Erb group) in 2004, despite the intense national and
international competition, and to integrate it as a new fourth
division into AFG. Since then, the brand has gone from strength
to strength. Today, when people think of windows, they think of
EgoKiefer! So, here again, congratulations are due to EgoKiefer
AG on reaching its 75 th birthday.
1
Independent and autonomous brands –
departing for new markets
AFG cares a great deal about looking after its brands, about
strengthening the brands and about developing them further.
This also includes the independence and corporate flexibility of
each and every AFG company. Every AFG subsidiary must establish
itself in existing markets and develop opportunities in new
markets. What holds together AFG is our shared vision – a vision
we work on every day, rigorously and without compromise. It is
the unshakeable will not only to reach the top in all areas, but to
stay at the top – both in terms of our ability to deliver innovative
products and in terms of staying wide awake in our understanding
of customer requirements. At EgoKiefer AG, this is documented
impressively with an own name, an own corporate identity
and, at the same time, a departure into new markets,
something which perfectly reflects the philosophy of AFG. In the
windows and doors sector, virtually 100% of our business comes
from the Swiss market, and the size we have now reached here
will make further sustained growth difficult. From this strong
domestic launch pad we now feel strong enough to expand into
foreign markets with our windows and doors. We are currently
examining suitable acquisitions in Europe. All this means that
another exciting chapter in the history of EgoKiefer AG is about
to unfold. We are also looking at potential acquisition projects in
the field of surface technology, even though the Division Surface
Technology already has by far the most international outlook
of any division in AFG. In fact, it is completely at the opposite
end of the scale, with around 100% of our production being
destined for foreign markets.
Ready for the future
For us, corporate success should always be shared by shareholders,
customers, partners, employees and the wider public. With
the increase in capital stock which was completed on May 4, 2007,
we have established a basis for further growth which will allow
us to create further domestic and foreign jobs. The new AFG
Corporate Center is already a proud landmark which represents
our continuously growing enterprise – an enterprise which is dynamically
moving into the future, with no signs of slowing down.
Yours sincerely
AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG
Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO
Dr. Edgar Oehler

2
The new exhibition centre in Stuttgart –
currently the biggest construction site in Germany.
Forster supplies systems
for new exhibition
centre in Stuttgart
More than 50 fire protection elements from the Forster
profile system fuego light have been installed at the
largest building site in Germany. The doors and fixed
glazing guarantee high levels of safety and offer certified
protection against fire and smoke for – depending on requirements
– between 30 and 90 minutes. The new exhibition
centre in Stuttgart is set to virtually disappear in the landscape
once it is complete. The architects Wulf + Partners
from Stuttgart have produced a design which blends the new
buildings for the new exhibition centre in Stuttgart seamlessly
into the environment. The 806-million Euro project is
scheduled to open autumn 2007, 37 months after building
work commenced. «
Finishing 1 st at the United World Games 2007:
the U17 girls’ team of SC Bronschhofen.
news
EgoKiefer: Nominated!
The EgoKiefer XL ® plastic window system remains on
the road to success. Its nomination for the 2008 design
award of the Federal Republic of Germany is yet further
proof of its uniqueness and the outstanding advantages
it offers customers. Opinion leaders regard this
award as the «award of awards», as no other design prize
places equally high demands on the nominees. The jury met
to choose a winner on August 16 and 17, 2007. Up to five
products and communication services can be awarded a gold
award by the jury, and up to 20 products and communication
services can receive the silver award for excellence in design
quality. The nominees will be informed about the jury’s
decisions in September 2007. The design prize will be
awarded by the German Ministry of
Business and Technology as part of a
public ceremonial act in Frankfurt in
February 2008. «
U17 girls’ team helps AFG onto
international winners’ podium
At the 2007 United World Games,
the SC Bronschhofen U17 girls’ team
was unstoppable, being crowned
champions without losing a single
match. At AFG, we would like to con-
gratulate the girls on their tremendous
success and say how pleased we are
that the up-and-coming generation of
players handled their initial foray onto
the international stage so well. These
girls have every right to be really proud
of their excellent success. The United
World Games are under the patronage
of Unesco and are contested in eight
different sporting events: football,
basketball, volleyball, tennis, swimming,
bowling, baseball and wrestling.
This year around 3,000 youngsters aged
between 13 and 17 took part from
20 nations. «
Success with AFG: one of the young
sportswomen taking part in the
United World Games 2007.

In Focus a nutshell
3
KMU Campus – «Learning from the best»
KMU Campus: AFG shares knowledge with
SMEs, date: September 21, 2007 in Arbon,
Thurgau.
Spedition Gächter AG and
Asta AG join forces
In recent years, Asta AG and Spedition Gächter AG, which has been part
of the AFG group since 2004, have formed a well-functioning team in the
area of transport and logistics in the AFG group. The fusion of these two
companies under the unified name Asta AG contributes to further optimisation
of our processes. Importantly for our customers, we are going to be able to offer
even better area coverage in future. The fusion of Spedition Gächter AG with
Asta AG was completed on June 26, 2007, with retrospective effect dating back
to the start of 2007. Of course, our customers will continue to be looked after
by the usual contact persons.
Gia XP shower cabin with harmoniously
integrated wall profiles in fashionable
XXL design.
KMU Campus, the leading provider of «Best Practice» seminars in Switzerland,
offers directors and senior managers of SMEs a varied professional
training programme. In this programme, managers visit host companies where
they receive direct practical coaching – and AFG has now joined this roster of host
companies. The best companies in Switzerland share their knowledge and expertise
in a number of different business sectors with a limited number of participating
managers. The initiative is under the patronage of the Swiss State Secretariat
for Economic Affairs (Seco) and is supported by the «Stiftung Produktive Schweiz»
foundation, UBS, Ernst & Young, IBM, Ringier, the «Organisator» and the «Wirtschaftsmagazin»
business magazine. On September 21, 2007 the AFG in Arbon
will be hosting a seminar on the subject of «Continuous innovation as a strategic
success factor». The two business units Forster Pipes and Forster Profiles will
demonstrate with specific product examples (keyword: Forster unico) how they
utilise targeted innovation management to help shape the technology in the
marketplace and keep one step ahead of the competition. Accordingly, this seminar
is directed at directors and senior managers of manufacturing companies who
would like to learn about the «lessons learned» in product and process development
in the successful business units of the Division Steel Technology. «
New shower cabins:
Gia/Gia XP
Elegant design, combined with all of the characteristics of contemporary
comfort: the new Gia/Gia XP range of shower cabins from Kermi blends
seamlessly into the sophisticated ambience of modern bathroom design.
Whereas each Gia is made individually to measure, the Gia XP range offers a corresponding
off-the-shelf solution for virtually all shower and shower tray applications
thanks to its available wall profile compensation of up to 30 mm and comprehensive
selection of standard sizes. The upmarket style of the fittings and the
handles attached both on the inside and outside unify puristic straight lines with
gentle curves. Smart detail: the transparent towel hook can be hung up anywhere
on the glass. A transparent sealing strip in the shape of a roof gutter and
a floor threshold are also included with the shower. «

4
75 years of EgoKiefer:
fascinating encounters
«Fascinating encounters» is the motto of the 75 th anniversary of EgoKiefer.
The year 2007 is characterised by large anniversary celebrations and
award-winning innovations. For EgoKiefer, this anniversary is the perfect
opportunity to reminisce and to look ahead.

Focus 5
It came as no surprise that the company started 2007 with an
impressive presence at Swissbau in Basel. EgoKiefer shone
with the new XL ® generation of windows at the heart of their
display. This new technology is symbolic for the EgoKiefer
maxim of «advantage through ideas». Just like all other
EgoKiefer window and door systems, the XL ® windows can
also be equipped with a whole range of modular system
components which can be used in combination. New system
components from the fields of automation, photovoltaic
systems, fire protection, ventilation, safety and shading also
represent further highlights.
EgoKiefer windows as a source of energy
The XL ® range of plastic windows is another total success,
winning the iF product design award 2007 in the category of
industrial buildings – even though this was its first entry in
the competition. The excellent design of the new XL ® window
convinced the international jury. Equally impressive are
the findings of a recent eco-balance assessment carried out
by Empa Dübendorf. According to these findings, EgoKiefer
window systems actually yield a positive gain for the environment.
The energy gained through the service life of the
windows significantly outweighs the amount of energy required
for production and disposal of the windows. As such,
EgoKiefer window assemblies are actually sources of energy.
The use of the new XL ® window technology is particularly
friendly to the environment. These good results have been
further optimised through the use of the exclusive EgoKiefer
high-performance insulating glass EgoVerre ® .
Special encounters in a miniature village of tents
The two days of celebrations on June 8 and 9, 2007 in Altstätten,
St.Gallen were without doubt one of the highpoints.
Around 2,400 guests enjoyed several unforgettable hours in
a unique ambience. EgoKiefer set up a miniature village of
tents in Allmend/Altstätten especially for the gala evening
(attended by around 1,050 guests) and for the anniversary
celebrations for employees and retired employees (attended
by around 1,350 guests). Maybe it was the proverbial system
competence of the company which helped bind together the
extensive celebration programme into a perfect and highly
successful overall event, but the 1,050 customers, suppliers,
partners and guests from politics and industry certainly
enjoyed Friday June 8, 2007, to the full. Many of them were
«The new technology of the XL ® generation
of windows is a symbol of the EgoKiefer motto
advantage through ideas.»
Around 2,400 guests enjoyed an unforgettable few hours at the anniversary celebrations in Altstätten, St.Gallen.

6
Impressions from the multifaceted celebration programme. The speeches given by Dr. Edgar Oehler (middle picture above),
Thomas Gerosa (see page 9 for an interview) and the renowned architect Max Dudler (bottom left).
also keen on an early visit to the headquarters of EgoKiefer in
the afternoon, in order to experience firsthand the production
of the high quality products.
An evening full of highlights
Expectations ran high – and nobody was disappointed. The
guests stepped through oversized windows into the miniature
village of tents set up by EgoKiefer – the perfect aperitif
for an unforgettable evening. Speeches by Dr. Edgar Oehler,
Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of AFG Arbonia-
Forster-Holding AG, by Thomas Gerosa, Chairman of the
Board of Directors and CEO of EgoKiefer AG, and by renowned
architect Prof. Max Dudler took their place in a
successful programme alongside the show put on specially
EgoKiefer at a glance
EgoKiefer AG is the number 1 company in the Swiss windows
and doors market; in Europe it is one of the leading
companies in the industry. It employs around 950 people
and achieved a net turnover in excess of CHF 230 million in
2006. The company headquarters are located in Altstätten,
St.Gallen, where the company was initially founded in 1932.
Additional production facilities are also located in Villeneuve,
Vaud. As an integrated supplier, EgoKiefer develops, produces,
sells and installs window solutions made of plastic,
plastic/aluminium, wood and wood/aluminium, as well as
doors for indoor and outdoor applications. In 2006, a total
«EgoKiefer is the
leading company in
the Swiss windows
and doors market.»
for the event by the Tanzfabrik dance troupe, all of which
was held together excellently by presenter Lolita Morena.
Mind you, the food and drink left nothing to be desired
either.
A number of guests were openly surprised how it had been
possible to entertain so many people all at the same time
with such exquisite freshly prepared food. Happy memories
of this gala evening are sure to linger for a long time among
the highly satisfied audience. The organisation team around
Michael Dietsche, head of Marketing Services at EgoKiefer,
has certainly received much praise since, keeping things perfectly
in line with the motto according to which «fascinating
encounters» can form the basis of relationships and even
friendships for life. «
of more than 600,000 m 2 of windows were produced, with
the number of doors produced standing at over 22,000
units. EgoKiefer is committed to progress and has a well-
established corporate culture which is best summarised in
the motto «advantage through ideas». Customers benefit
from this advantage in many ways both in terms of the
products on offer and in the services provided by the company.
Within the industry, EgoKiefer AG has continuously
set new standards with countless innovations. EgoKiefer
has an active presence in all regions of Switzerland.

Focus 7
History
75 years of EgoKiefer
A history:
1932 Zurich entrepreneur Ernst Göhner (Ego) purchases the joiner’s workshop
J.B. Geisser in Altstätten, St.Gallen. TUFA AG, the doors and windows factory,
is created.
1957 Development and production of the first plastic window in Switzerland.
1958 Acquisition of Maurice Guyot S.A. in Villeneuve, Vaud, on Lake Geneva.
1962 Merging of TUFA AG and E. Göhner AG to form EgoWerke AG.
1967 Already twelve sales branches throughout the whole of Switzerland.
1971 EgoWerke AG becomes an independent subsidiary of Elektrowatt
following the sale of the Göhner Group.
1972 EgoWerke acquires window manufacturer Kiefer Windows AG.
1976 Merger resulting in the creation of EgoKiefer AG.
1980 Creation of a sales network for plastic windows.
1987 Uniwood Holding AG of the Erb Group takes over EgoKiefer AG.
1993 Expansion of the sales organisation in southern Germany and Vorarlberg (Austria).
1994 Creation of the first national windows and doors service organisation.
2000 New logistics centre in Altstätten is taken into service.
2002 MINERGIE label awarded for all window systems.
2003 Collapse of the Erb Group, composition proceedings conducted
by Uniwood Holding AG.
2004 AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG takes over EgoKiefer from the estate.
2005 Expansion of the production plants in Villeneuve and Altstätten East.
2006 Expansion of the sales organisation in Switzerland.
2007 Expansion of the headquarters and extensive anniversary celebration activities.

8
«Powerful symbolism:
oversized window frames lead into
EgoKiefer’s miniature tent village.»

Focus 9
Interview with Thomas Gerosa,
Chairman of the Board of Directors
and CEO of EgoKiefer AG
75 years – quite a happy anniversary. So what exactly
is the secret of the success of EgoKiefer?
Thomas Gerosa: There are several reasons why now –
75 years after the company was founded – our prospects are
better than ever. One of the key factors is the fact that we always
put people first. We know where we are coming from,
and we know for whom we keep refining and developing
our products.
So there is no chance of EgoKiefer
resting on its laurels?
Thomas Gerosa: Quite the opposite. The positive developments
in 2006, with more turnover and greater market
shares in a highly competitive environment, are set to continue.
In order to do this we have invested a lot of money, for
example in the expansion of our headquarters. But the opening
of the new business site in the Zurich region and – not
least – the ongoing capacity expansion for window production
in Altstätten and Villeneuve all form important building
blocks for our future success.
Celebrating a partnership lived
«Advantage through ideas» is the motto which is taken
very seriously at EgoKiefer. What can the company’s
customers expect?
Thomas Gerosa: One really good and completely up-to-date
example is our award-winning XL ® plastic window technology.
This window surpasses all requirements in terms of energy
and the environment, and as a result it measurably saves energy.
You don’t need a crystal ball to see that these are the
perfect requirements for sustained success of the system in
the future.
So you are approaching the next 75 years
with a lot of optimism?
Thomas Gerosa: Definitely, because as a company in the
dynamic and strong AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG group,
and therefore as part of the leading supplier to the building
industry, we are part of a strong network. Our self-confidence
has been given a further boost by the acquisition and
integration of RWD Schlatter AG. As an independent unit in
our division, new perspectives are opening up for all of us,
particularly in the areas of fire protection, safety doors and
sound protection doors. «

10
Net turnover
+22.8%
AFG half-yearly report 2007
EBIT
+14.2%
As the half-yearly report dated August 7, 2007 shows, AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG has delivered
a solid half-yearly result together with a continued high rate of growth. AFG profited from a largely
friendly economic situation within the building trade in most of their key sales markets. Net turnover
increased year-on-year by 22.8% to CHF 679.66 million (previous year: CHF 553.57 million), or by 9.3%
once acquisitions are taken into account.
With a capital increase of CHF 108 million with preferential
subscription rights, around 1,000 shareholders set the course
for the future at the AGM on April 20, 2007.
«AFG is sharing its
knowledge with
young people.»
Continuing high rate of growth
Despite the in some cases significantly higher material, wage
and energy costs, the revenue growth largely managed to
keep up with this development in turnover. The EBITDA increased
by 16.6% to CHF 65.21 million (previous year:
CHF 55,93 million) and reached 9.6% (previous year: 10.1%)
of the net turnover. By contrast, the amortisation of intangible
assets at the acquired companies STI Surface Technologies
International Holding AG and RWD Schlatter AG had a slowing
effect on the EBIT development of the group. Despite this
it increased by 14.2% to CHF 37.73 million (previous year:
CHF 33.05 million). The EBIT margin measured against net
turnover achieved 5.6% as a result (previous year: 6.0%).
Due, among other things, to the increase in capital stock,
own capital increased by more than a half in comparison
to the cut-off date of June 30, 2006 to CHF 500.1 million
(+54.7%).
Success despite inflationary pressure
«In what continues to be a challenging environment, we
have once again managed to attain high growth continuity
and thus further expanded our position in all markets in
which we are active», comments Dr. Edgar Oehler, Chairman
of the Board of Directors and CEO of AFG Arbonia-Forster-
AFG goes back to school
In Switzerland, the concept and content of the seminal textbook «Recht Staat
Wirtschaft» (Law – The State – The Economy) is known to virtually everybody.
September 2007 has been set as the date for publication of the 4 th edition – an edition
in which AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG plays an important role: the company
will be acting as a partner in the area of political economics. The innovative concept
of this general Swiss textbook tackles questions relating to strategies, leadership
structures and market development and delivers the answers in a practical textbook
format for vocational schools, technical schools, middle secondary schools (Diplommittelschule)
and higher secondary schools (Gymnasium). In the process, students
can utilise Internet platforms like www.afg.ch as well as the websites of the AFG
subsidiaries for targeted research which allows them to draw current and practice-
related links. The AFG content has been edited by Prof. Dr. Herbert Wattenhofer.
During his time as a postgraduate student at the University of St.Gallen (HSG),
he taught in secondary schools, business schools and technical vocational schools.

AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG 11
Own capital
+54.7% A
Holding AG, on the pleasing half-yearly results. This was
made possible despite the significantly increased cost of materials,
in particular steel, energy and wage costs, which was
noticeable for the first time in several years again in all markets
and areas. In turn this is largely down to the weakness
of the Swiss Franc and the record strength of the Euro. Material
costs increased as a result by a two-digit figure in some
cases, and as a rule these surcharges could not be passed on
in full into the end prices.
A confident outlook
Thanks to the expectation of continued good market conditions,
AFG expects to deliver the forecast consolidated
overall turnover of CHF 1.4 billion and an operating profit
of more than CHF 100 million in the current year – despite
increasing pressure from competitors. By the end of 2007,
the equity-to-assets ratio should be above 40%, which will
mean that it has achieved a previously defined benchmark
of the balance sheet. According to Dr. Edgar Oehler, no acquisitions
are planned in the short term: «However, in the
future we will continue to make the most of any opportunities
to round off our existing services portfolio. In addition,
we are working intensively on intensifying activities outside
our two domestic markets of Switzerland and Germany, in
order to achieve a ratio of 50:50 between the two domestic
markets and all other markets in the medium term.» In
order to secure the financial flexibility required for further
acquisition-based and organic growth, AFG is also intending
to take on a syndicated credit in the second semester. «
New topics
The following AFG subject areas have been incorporated in the 4 th edition:
Topic 1: The value creation chain. The concept of value creation is demonstrated
on the basis of a selected AFG business sector: research and development, purchasing,
production, sales, customer service. Topic 2: International expansion.
Here, the expansion of AFG is illustrated in terms of markets and production sites.
Topic 3: AFG as a «corporate citizen» (Corporate Citizenship). AFG has always
emphasised its social responsibility and observes this responsibility on a daily basis,
through the provision of jobs and training positions, through environmentally
friendly production processes, sustained products, sponsoring, active information
policy and cooperation with authorities through to assistance with the securing
and/or renovation of institutions or companies which are of public interest. The
textbook is available to order free of charge from AFG via afgworld@afg.ch. «
visionary:
Dr. Edgar Oehler.
More liquidity,
more continuity
AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG has secured
CHF 108 million for further growth and further innovation.
Thanks to a capital increase of CHF 108 million
with preferential subscription rights, further expansion of
AFG is assured. The decision was ratified at the AGM on
April 20, 2007 – a memorable occasion given that the
AGM was held under the banner of our 20 th anniversary
celebrations. At the time, around 1,000 shareholders –
a record in terms of participation – set the course for the
future. 156,716 new transferable shares with a nominal
value of CHF 4.20 and 337,500 registered shares (nominal
value CHF 0.84) were tendered by exercising the corresponding
subscription rights. This corresponds to 99.84%
of all newly issued transferable shares and registered
shares. The 791 registered shares which were not tendered
were sold at market rate. The capital increase has
not only been a success, but it is also an important prerequisite
for continued successful implementation of our
growth strategy, as it provides the financial flexibility
which is necessary for future investments. AFG Arbonia-
Forster-Holding AG will continue to rigorously follow its
course of growth: increased international engagement,
even more investment in research and development and
further acquisitions. In addition, the capital increase also
helps to be able to release the funds borrowed in the
short term for acquisitions. «
Even more thorough: the 4 th edition
of the textbook «Recht Staat Wirtschaft»
(Law – The State – The Economy).

12
The magnificent new Corporate Center in Arbon, Thurgau is also a role model for modern and energy-saving building.
Corporate Center:
move-in set for November 2007
The new flagship of AFG, the Corporate Center on the outskirts of Arbon, Thurgau,
is taking shape. Thanks to an ambitious schedule, the proud new building will already
be ready to move into by November 2007.
The symbol of a successful future at AFG
No other project embodies the ambitious expansion of AFG
and its clear commitment to the region better than the new
Corporate Center. The project, which began with the groundbreaking
ceremony on July 11, 2006 and already enjoyed the
topping-out ceremony on May 2, 2007, is now nearly complete.
These new headquarters of the AFG Group will pull together
all of the central group services which – at present – are
spread across a number of different sites. However, the new
Corporate Center is more than the headquarters of AFG. «It
reflects the successful development of the Group in recent
years and also represents a symbol for our belief in the continued
success of AFG in the future», explains Dr. Edgar Oehler.
Perfect conditions for concentration and hard work
Pack, relocate to the new headquarters and unpack again –
this will be the order of the day for the around 250 employees
currently staffing AFG’s central services in the city centre of
Arbon, including the senior executive management, Finance
and Accounting, Central Services, Sales Management, Marketing
and IT. The old buildings in the Romanshornerstrasse and
Zelgstrasse will be demolished and to make way for new residential
buildings. In the medium term, AFG is also planning to
relocate all of its employees currently working at facilities on
the periphery of Arbon to the Winzelnwies industrial area. The
architecture of the Corporate Center was designed by local architects’
office Gisel + Partners AG, who worked together with
the general contractor Karl Steiner AG and other companies
from the field of planning to deliver a modern and contemporary
design.
An «Arboneria» for the Corporate Center
The «Arboneria» cafeteria/restaurant in the Corporate Center
is definitely set to go ahead. The further construction will include
the installation of many of AFG’s own innovative products.
For instance, the large windows facing Amriswilerstrasse
will be supplied by EgoKiefer AG, while Forster Profile Systems
will be kitting out the opposite building facade with its products.
The contracts for the interior finishing work are to be
awarded shortly. Important elements include, for instance, the
two large conference rooms to be installed on the second
floor. In addition to this, there is the «Board Room» which is
to be embellished with a large round or oval table. The «Landhaus»
restaurant and the bordering agricultural buildings are
to be taken down in August 2007. One of the aims of
Dr. Edgar Oehler is to hold the Christmas Apéro 2007 in the
lobby of the new headquarters. If the present pace continues
without problems then the AFG Corporate Center will be officially
opened on March 1, 2008. «
AFG Corporate Center – key figures
Space Total 62,000 m 3
Office space Total 4,600 m 2
Ground floor space Total 2,750 m 2
Max. building height 19 m from the ground
Sublevels 3, with 290 car parking spaces
Above-ground floors 4, ground floor to 3 rd floor
+ 1 attic floor

AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG
New: AFG sponsors Swiss yachting
Sailing hard into the wind.
Success at the «Eidge-
nössisches Turnfest»
While male and female gymnasts from the whole of
Switzerland displayed their skills between June 14 and
24, 2007 in Frauenfeld, Thurgau, AFG took an active
role in the large-scale event on behalf of Thurgau
commerce and enterprise. AFG and ten other renowned
companies from Thurgau supported the big occasion not
only through financial sponsorship, but they also took part
in a special event. Under the patronage of the Thurgau
Chamber of Industry and Trade (IHK), a special tent was
erected containing an unusual and original assault course
and a comfortable guest area serving refreshments. AFG
contributed an original goal wall which drew a lot of
attention to the company’s activities in relation to the AFG
ARENA. Anyone who managed to complete the course was
immediately awarded one of the sought-after prizes: a small
bag of AFG gummi-bears. In addition, visitors entered their
ticket stubs into a prize draw, with a number of teams winning
attractive cash prizes for their team kitty.
High level of commitment
In recent years, AFG has been very closely involved in a
number of sponsorship activities: cultural, social, youth development,
education, sport ... Of course, more recently
the AFG ARENA has been the subject of much discussion.
AFG aims to combine support for youth sports and general
sport in the community with support for sports at top profes-
In terms of football sponsorship, AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG has
already made a name for itself with the AFG ARENA in St.Gallen. Now the
company is also set to get right behind Swiss yachting. AFG will become the
new main sponsor of the Swiss Sailing Association, investing a generous amount
every year in return. Together with the Swiss Sailing Pool (SSP), the group responsible
for sponsoring within the association, a several-year deal has been struck leading
up to the 2012 Olympics. The aim is to provide the up and coming talents with
the support they need to achieve their ambitious goal of winning one or even
several Olympic medals at the 2012 games. The task of helping to achieve these
goals has fallen to the Swiss Sailing Team AG which has been specially set up for
the Olympics. This task sharing is a first for Swiss Sailing – and for Swiss sports in
general. AFG and SSP are thus embarking on a new and highly promising joint
venture. «
The AFG goal wall challenged many
footballers both young and old.
13
A clear commitment to sport in the community
The commitment shown by AFG and the other ten representatives
of IHK Thurgau conveyed a clear message: together
with the wider population and the sportsmen and sportswomen
themselves, the business community in Thurgau has
got right behind the Eidgenössisches Turnfest, the premium
event for sports in the community. «
sional level. In addition, AFG is also getting behind selected
cultural activities and also plays a key role in maintaining the
Swiss Lake Constance Fleet (SBS) and continuing the Pizol
mountain railways. The company offers committed support
for sponsorship projects, whereby the funds are used even
more carefully than in the past.

14
Powerful pictures: The AFG electronic press kit
leaves a lasting impression. With immediate
effect, the full-length show reel is available to
download from www.afg.ch.
AFG electronic press kit –
available at www.afg.ch
Thanks to efforts made in the last two years to step up communication
efforts, AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG has now been able to close
another gap: with immediate effect, anyone who is interested in seeing
the show reel in its full length (approximately 15 minutes) can now do
so by downloading it from www.afg.ch.
At the same time it is also possible to view only the portions relating to individual
segments of the division. So how did this film project come to be? As part of the
production of the business magazine «Europa-Journal», which was produced in
cooperation with the Thurgau Chamber of Industry and Trade (IHK) and private TV
producer C.A.M.P.-TV in Munich, AFG decided in the late autumn of 2005 – just
like a number of other companies from the Thurgau region – to sign up to this
project and produce the company’s own electronic press kit. After an initial phase,
which was characterised by intensive planning work and preparations, the next
step was to work with the divisions to produce a watertight script. Filming started
across Europe at all of AFG’s sites from autumn 2006 onwards. Following the
acquisitions of STI | Hartchrom and RWD Schlatter, some of the work did need to
be interrupted and restarted.
Excellent cooperation
The resulting film is a representative snapshot of the entire company which showcases
all of the products, locations and markets of each division. With time, the
cooperation between AFG and the TV production company blossomed in to a
closely-knit and highly effective cooperation. The partnership resulted in a number
of highly potent images, interesting reports and informative recordings in different
areas of the business, which all made their way into the AFG electronic press kit.
The recordings will also be used for a TV programme which is set to follow.
Hermann Zellner, responsible project manager at C.A.M.P.-TV, expressed his gratitude
for the trust displayed in his company by Dr. Edgar Oehler during the production
of this film: «Even during his business trip to Plattling just before Christmas
2006, when his diary was fit to burst with appointments and a tight schedule,
Dr. Oehler was still available to the film crew during the Christmas celebrations for
interviews for the TV film and the show reel. For this, all of us at C.A.M.P.-TV are
particularly grateful to him. Thanks to the professionalism of Dr. Oehler, the recordings
in Plattling went off without a hitch!» «

AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG 15
Building bridges
with the AFG ARENA
The AFG ARENA is being built to the west of the city of St.Gallen, a unique
sports, shopping and leisure complex with many unusual features. The ball
should start to roll as early as summer 2008. AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG is
not only proud to be the named backer of this superlative building project, but will
also play an important role inside – for example with the grand AFG lounge and
AFG stands. «
Inviting: this is where the 25 m wide staircase
leading to the main entrance is being built.
Safe: the AFG ARENA will have four of these pedestrian bridges, with lengths of up to 76 m. Two of them already span the A1 motorway.
Impressive: the 10-level main stand reaches a proud 38.5 m into the sky
(height measured from the floor section up).
Unique: trucks drive straight into the heart of
the AFG ARENA. An approximately 300 m long
tunnel which is lined with docking terminals
leads through underneath the main stand.

16
Heating Technology
and Sanitary
Equipment
The Kermi Sanitary Equipment trade exhibition stand: the changing play of colours from red to blue symbolises the worlds of experience «water» and «warmth».

H e a t i n g Te c h n o l o g y a n d
Sanitary Equipment
Kermi Heating Technology: the elegant architecture of this stand alone was enough to turn heads.
Shiny worlds of experience
at the ISH
At the ISH in Frankfurt in March 2007, the world-leading trade fair for bathroom technology, building
services engineering, energy technology, air conditioning and renewable energies, the Division Heating
Technology and Sanitary Equipment caused a real stir with their striking stand design.
The three trade exhibition stands of Arbonia, Kermi Heating
Technology and Kermi Sanitary Equipment give an impressive
account of the design division’s philosophy «Design & Innovation»
– both in terms of the standard architecture and in
terms of product competence. Visitors were captivated by the
breezy, light and seemingly floating architecture. Staged with
special lighting technology and semitransparent outer covers,
the between 5 and 7.5 m high domes made an excellent impact.
Depending on the chosen light settings, the visitors
were guided into three different worlds of experience, each
of which imparted its own clear and individual brand experience.
Within the bright orange realm of the Arbonia trade
fair stand, the visitors’ interest focussed on the new underfloor
convector heaters being unveiled for the German market
and the impressive variety of special radiators on show.
Therm X2 – one of the highlights
The Kermi exhibition stands used the colours blue and red to
symbolise not just the worlds of experience «water» and
«warmth», but also managed to use the intermittently
changing lighting to impressively highlight the connection
between the two stands. Visitors to the stand were clearly
impressed with the energy-saving panel radiator Therm X2,
without doubt one of the highlights of the display. The xlink
range of connection fittings, a smart system solution for connecting
up the combination of heated towel rail and under-
floor heating system, also enjoyed a very warm response. In
the bathroom area, the trendsetting designs of the two new
heated towel rails Credo-Duo and Icaro and the two new
shower cabin ranges Gia and Gia XP also found widespread
recognition. Impressions and clips of the three «experience
worlds» can be downloaded on the Internet from
www.arbonia.de or www.kermi.de. «
ISH Frankfurt
World-leading trade fair for bathroom technology, building
services engineering, energy technology, air conditioning and
renewable energies
Location Frankfurt exhibition grounds (Germany)
Target group Trade visitors
Duration March 6 to 10, 2007
Frequency Every 2 years
Visitors 215,378 (2005: 192,187)
of which 53,844 came from abroad
Exhibitors 2,392 (2005: 2,345) from 58 countries
Exhibition floor space 254,000 m 2
Next ISH March 10 to 14, 2009
17

18
Warmth
xlink: the perfect combination!
More and more customers are opting for a combination of heated towel
rail and underfloor heating system. Kermi GmbH has now developed
xlink – a range of connection fittings for underfloor heating systems.
Despite being completely invisible after installation, xlink delivers a constant floor
temperature in the bathroom. As underfloor heating systems and radiators are
operated at different temperatures, separate heating circuits were needed in
the past. However, with the new xlink system, Kermi has now come up with the
perfect solution – connection fittings for underfloor heating systems. xlink can
be concealed behind the radiator cover of the Credo-V and the new Credo-Duo
systems, from where it delivers constant floor temperature control in the bathroom
– completely independently of the room temperature, and with no power
supply and no complicated installation required.
Also suitable for renovation projects without complicated additional work
Interventions into the boiler control system are also a thing of the past: xlink is
simply attached to the existing set of valve fittings on the heated towel rail. xlink
is suitable for all Kermi xnet underfloor heating systems. It also lends itself very
well to renovation projects in combination with the new xnet C15 thin layer
system. Thanks to the fact that this system is extremely flat and also very quick
to install on a wide variety of floor coverings, warm feet can soon be an everyday
luxury – without the need for heavy-duty demolition work! «
Russia: first we supplied the heating
systems, now the showers
Kermi has already played an active role in the Russian market since 1996, with sales of heating
technology products that have already shown quite some success. The company originally
launched itself in Russia with panel radiators, but this was soon followed by convector heaters,
designer radiators and, finally, the xnet surface temperature control systems.
After the fall of the Iron Curtain, heating systems featuring
modern, contemporary and reliable engineering and technology
were given the highest priority. Looking at the impressive
size of Russia on a map of the world, it is clear that, in addi-
Trade exhibition stand at the Mosbuild trade fair in Moscow:
this is where the Kermi shower cubicle systems were launched at
the start of April 2007, together with the designer bathroom
radiators and towel heaters.
The perfect combination for your bathroom –
Kermi Credo-V with integrated xlink connection
fittings for xnet underfloor heating systems.
tion to Moscow and St.Petersburg, the country has a large
number of other cities, large towns and regions which are
still a long way from having the significantly improved heating
technology that is now found more regularly in the two
major cities. Now the Russian market is ready for another
product from the Division Heating Technology and Sanitary
Equipment: shower cubicle systems. Although this was always
part of the display on show in the showmobile, the focus at
the time was clearly on selling the heating technology products.
The launch of shower accessories was kicked off at the
start of April 2007 at the Mosbuild trade fair in Moscow.
Here, Kermi presented a range of shower cubicle systems
together with a partner, the company Eco Dusch – and naturally
the stand also featured a selection of designer bathroom
radiators and towel heaters. The display generated a lot of
interest among the exhibition visitors. Kermi is now working
hard to ensure that the shower cubicle systems follow in the
successful steps of the heating technology products. «

H e a t i n g Te c h n o l o g y a n d
Sanitary Equipment
Therm X2 panel radiators
lower costs by up to 20%
With the Therm X2, Kermi GmbH has managed to significantly improve the efficiency of their
valve-design panel radiators – with an energy saving effect of up to 11%, heating time reduced
by 25%, costs reduced by up to 20% and lower CO 2 emissions.
At the same time, the Therm X2 impresses with dynamic performance
and optimal thermal comfort. In accordance with
the current standards, only a small proportion of the rated
heating load is required during controlled operation, which
accounts for up to 90 to 95% of a heating period. As a result,
the flow (mass flow) is significantly reduced and the average
surface temperature drops significantly. As only the upper
part of the radiator is heated, this often gives the incorrect
impression that the radiator is defective or inoperative.
Connection: serial instead of parallel
Kermi valve-design panel radiators solve this problem with
the X2 technology. The innovative and patented way in
which they work takes both energy saving aspects and thermal
comfort considerations into account. Whereas on conventional
multi-layer radiators, a parallel flow is directed
through all of the plates, the Therm X2 features a serial flow
layout. In controlled operation the front plate is heated preferentially,
and its output is perfectly sufficient for this operating
mode. As a result, a higher average surface temperature
is generated in comparison to the conventional technology,
with up to 100% more comfortable radiated heat.
Heating time reduced by up to 25%
The rear plates remain cooler, and during controlled operation
they act as a heat shield to the wall thanks to their low
emission of radiated heat, thus increasing the efficiency of
the radiator. They are only heated up when greater heating
output is required, at which point they deliver a high convective
heating output and contribute to efficient heating of the
room. At the same time the X2 technology delivers a more
dynamic performance and reduces heating times by up to
25%. This results in a significant reduction of overall energy
requirements. As a result, an energy saving effect of up to
In controlled operation, the Therm X2 initially heats up the entire front
plate of the serial-flow panel radiator; while the cold heating plate at
the back acts as a shield between the warm front plate of the radiator
and the external wall.
11% can be achieved – an order of magnitude previously
thought to be unattainable.
Saving money – and the environment
In conjunction with the valve inserts which are pre-adjusted
in the factory it is possible to make further savings of up to
20% of the energy costs for the heating circuit pump. The
potential annual savings that can be made with the Therm
X2 in comparison to conventional panel radiators can be
calculated quickly and easily with the aid of the X2 energy
savings calculation tool at www.thermx2.de. As well as the
savings in terms of heating costs, another coincidental benefit
is the lowering of CO 2 emissions from the heating system. «
Kermi valve panel radiators blend harmoniously with any surroundings
and contribute to a great feeling of warmth and comfort with their
innovative X2 technology – whilst at the same time delivering energy
savings of up to 11%.
19

20
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) saves time,
paper and money.
At Kermi GmbH, Paul Puhl (left) and
Alfred Hackl are responsible for EDI.
Kermi:
even more efficient with EDI
With EDI, this type of transaction is changed radically. The term EDI is used
to describe an electronic, paperless system for exchanging business data
(EDI = Electronic Data Interchange). A file with the ordering data arrives from
the customer’s computer system. The ordering data are then automatically trans-
ferred to the SAP system, which then instantly uses them to generate a customer
order. The process is exactly the same for data which are sent to the customer. This
means that no paper – and no postage – are needed any more for order confirma-
tions and invoices. The EDI files for order confirmations and invoices are created
automatically and sent electronically to the customer. «
Arbonia and Prolux: «Faites vos jeux!»
With radiators from the two companies Arbonia AG and Prolux AG Radiators, the customer is always
a winner. The decision as to who could count themselves among the lucky winners at the roulette
table was decided at the trade fair stand of Arbonia and Prolux at the Swissbau 07 exhibition.
Comfort, warmth, living quality and wellbeing – all thanks to
innovative technology from Arbonia and Prolux. However,
visitors to the Swissbau trade exhibition were not only attracted
by the excellent products and systems on display, as
the excitement of the roulette wheel attracted many fascinated
visitors to the stand. Every day, a winner was chosen from
all the participants – with an experience day in eastern Switzerland,
the homeland of AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG, up
for grabs every day. On June 8, 2007 it was finally time! The
unsuspecting participants were gently introduced to the
forthcoming highlights of the day with an interesting tour
of the modern radiator production facilities.
A strong market presence – impressive experiences
As competent as the presentation of Arbonia and Prolux was,
the experience day was equally attractive. After the tour, the
next step was a high-speed trip with a sea rescue cruiser of
the Swiss lifesaving association over Lake Constance to
Friedrichshafen, whereby naturally each of the participants
were allowed to take a turn at the helm of the high-performance
boat. Somewhat calmer, but no less unique, was the
trip with an airship of the German zeppelin company along
the German shoreline as far as Mainau, the island of flowers.
Two skippers with their yachts provided an unforgettable
return journey to the Swiss shore. The end of the day was
rounded off with a well-deserved and high-class meal under
the stars at the shore of Lake Constance. «
Not going anywhere in too much of a hurry: a zeppelin airship takes passengers
on a gentle journey of discovery through many scenic delights.
The perfect end to a superb day: travelling back to the Swiss shore
on board a yacht.

H e a t i n g Te c h n o l o g y a n d
Sanitary Equipment
Kermi and Arbonia are opening a sales office in Falciano (Republic of San Marino), a town
with an excellent geographic location. San Marino, which is completely surrounded by Italian
soil, is positioned close to the Adriatic coast near Rimini. From here, a network of agencies
supplies the entire Italian market.
San Marino is perfectly positioned to control and direct the
nationwide sales operation. In addition, the surrounding regions
are also home to a dense network of offices and plants
of the Italian wholesale trade for heating technology. The
Italian market is supplied via a network of agencies from a
new sales office. At present, eleven agencies from southern
Tyrol to Sicily handle sales to the wholesale trade. The main
agent for Arbonia in Italy is Gianfranco Foschi with his team.
While the products of Arbonia, in particular the tubular radiators,
have already been sold successfully in Italy for several
2007 TGA congress at Kermi
The traditional TGA congress took place at Kermi for already the 11 th
time on May 7 and 8, 2007. Numerous participants from planning offices and
architects offices – who had travelled from all over Germany – were given the opportunity
over both days to learn as much as possible about current topics from
respected experts in the field. This was an opportunity to make new contacts,
have a discussion with the course instructor and speaker, and therefore to seek
out information on a one-on-one basis. The first day of the event was brought to
a relaxed close with a joint meal and an evening reception. The key topics of the
2007 Kermi TGA congress were comfort and energy efficiency, heat distribution
and the design of heat distribution systems, as well as the legal assessment of
non-functioning heating systems (liability). The speeches given by the speakers,
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Richter, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Rainer Hirschberg and Dr. Frank
Eisenmann, can be found on the Internet at www.kermi.de. «
The new showroom in Falciano in the Republic of
San Marino. This is the base from which Arbonia
and Kermi have been working the Italian market.
San Marino is completely surrounded by Italian
soil. It is also the oldest republic in the world and
has a history which dates back to the year 301.
It comprises 9 districts and is home to just over
30,000 inhabitants, around 4,500 of which
live in the capital of the same name –
San Marino.
Arbonia and Kermi
unlock the Italian market
years, the radiators of Kermi GmbH were only launched on
the Italian market in 2006. The new sales office has been
equipped with a large training room featuring state-of-theart
technology, and in the future it will be used for efficient
and representative training sessions and product presentations
for wholesalers, agents and installers. At the same time,
the 30 m 2 showroom has been kitted out with exhibition
pieces from Kermi and Arbonia. Everything is shown from
its best side – the perfect basis for sustained success in the
marketplace. «
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Richter spoke about the topic
«providing comfort without compromising
energy efficiency». Kermi was able to welcome
around 80 visitors to this year’s TGA
congress.
21

22
Kitchens and
Refrigeration
Three strong AFG brands for individual dream kitchens.

Kitchens and Refrigeration
Forster kitchen
at 3,258 m
Thanks to its durability and resistance to moisture,
a Forster steel kitchen is the ideal solution for extreme
conditions – as are to be found in an SAC hut on Oberaarjoch
at 3,258 m. «A Forster kitchen is just the job for
SAC huts», says hut supervisor Kurt Baumgartner.
Chief fitter Peter Blust loaded the Forster kitchen into the
delivery van at half-past six in the morning. After driving over
the Grimselpass, he continued along the scenic route to
Oberaarstausee. The well-packed kitchen units and other
building materials were flown past the steep rock faces over
the glacier to Oberaarjoch by helicopter. The first attempt
at landing failed due to strong winds. Landing was then
successful an hour later.
Already in use in the evening
The assembly of the attractive Forster kitchen in discrete pearl
white was a routine job for the experienced fitters. It was
possible to use the kitchen the same evening. Snow and hail
Chief fitter Peter Blust with fitter Willi Lutz on their way down.
The Forster kitchen comes in to land at the SAC hut on Oberaarjoch.
showers prevented the helicopter from landing again, so the
team of fitters had to make the three-hour descent down
into the valley on foot the following morning. Even though
Peter Blust does not fit kitchens under such extreme conditions
every day, for him every kitchen is an experience. Handing over
a finished Forster kitchen to a satisfied customer is always an
unforgettable moment for him – even below 3,258 m! «
Just perfect: the Forster kitchen!
23

24
New: Forster
kitchen centre
Rupperswil
The 10 th Forster kitchen centre for Forster Küchen- &
Kühltechnik AG opened at Rupperswil AG, Aargau on
May 3, 2007. The centre is located in the impressive
rooms of a former spinning mill. The opening was very
well received.
The guests were welcomed to the new Forster kitchen centre
at Rupperswil punctually at 7 o’clock – for the open evening
with a candle-lit dinner under a full moon. The rooms of the
old spinning mill were prepared for the event with considerable
attention to detail. The numerous guests were able to
admire the display of the latest kitchen models in the festive
atmosphere while enjoying an apéritif. The latest models
were on show in the complete range of colours – from the
high-quality household kitchen with kitchen island through
refined cabinet solutions, the utility room, to the pure,
delightful designer kitchen. The historic rooms radiated a
special charm and brought out the best of the clear lines of
the Forster steel kitchens in particular. The speech given by
Dr. Edgar Oehler, Chairman of the Board of Directors and
CEO of AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG, contributed to the
success of the opening ceremony and was warmly applauded
by the invited guests. Over the weekend of May 4 and 5, 2007,
numerous guests visited the open days. «
Forster Color Line with kitchen island.
Entrance to the new Forster kitchen centre at Rupperswil AG.
Dr. Edgar Oehler, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of
AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG, talking to guests.
Forster kitchens in Hohenems
Elektro-Technik Obwegeser in Hohenems, Vorarlberg has become a new regional
representative for Forster kitchens in Austria. On the weekend from
March 23/24, 2007 the new display entitled «Horst – The Kitchen» was officially
opened. The showroom contains a perfectly matched combination of kitchens
from the Forster range, from the kitchen with kitchen island to the utility room.
The new sales representative covers the entire Austrian state of Vorarlberg. Along
with Forster Italia, this is the second Forster kitchen showroom abroad. Planning
for increased export activity is underway for Forster steel kitchens with their clear
lines, stable value, and functionality in timeless design. «

Kitchens and Refrigeration
Bruno Piatti AG: logistics as a
position for strategic success
«Doing the right things at the right time.» The entire process at Bruno Piatti AG
is based on this principle. With it, the business has achieved a position of strategic
success in logistics.
Processing large order volumes in construction is a speciality
of Bruno Piatti AG. Only by linking the business processes
into a holistic customer-orientated system is it possible to
efficiently process the large order volumes. From order planning,
through manufacture, procurement, consignment,
distribution, assembly, all the way to construction site waste
disposal, the focus is always on logistics.
Flexibility thanks to collaboration
The times when units or fronts were produced and held in
stock are long gone. The kitchen installation date defines the
entire process. The average 50 order items of varying origin
and therefore varying procurement time represent a complex
challenge. Minimum order processing time with high reliability
of supply and low stock holdings is possible due to the partnership-based
collaboration between Piatti and its suppliers.
The experience gained from some hundred thousand kitchens
over almost 60 years forms a strong basis for flexible reaction
to customer needs. Of course, the usage of the latest tools
for data acquisition and processing is essential.
Dependence on progress on site
As early as kitchen planning, the installation schedule is defined
between the kitchen specialist and chief fitter in consultation
with the builder based on the customer’s construction
schedule. The procurement times, the production and installation
capacity available, as well as the diminishing transport
costs are all taken into account. Following clarification of the
progress on site and order approval, the kitchens are fully installed
in less than three weeks. Delays on site that occur during
the production phase are covered by the logistics centre.
Distribution by crane on the construction site.
The assembled Piatti kitchen as the final result.
25
Delivery at exactly the right time
The competence of logistics partner Camion Transport AG
and its national network mean that deliveries can be made
simultaneously to several construction sites in different parts
of Switzerland first thing in the morning. The limited access
times to large construction sites require particularly detailed
co-ordination during installation planning. The average Piatti
kitchen is fully installed by an experienced fitter in just one
day. Part of the integrated logistics is the disposal of waste
from the construction sites. The waste disposal concept
in force across Switzerland is also met by Piatti’s high environment
protection standards (UMS in accordance with
ISO 14001). «

26
Miele Kitchens in South Korea
Warendorfer Küchen GmbH opened a new showroom in Seoul on May 19, 2007;
the business has gained itself a name as a renowned interior designer on the
South Korean market, an interesting market for refined kitchen furniture.
Kitchens made in Germany and the new Elid Inc. showroom in Seoul.
Island in light oak with integrated lighting under the worktop and
convenient tall unit combinations in high gloss finish.
Since April 12, 2007 Bruno Piatti AG has been certified
in accordance with the standard ISO 14001. As a result
Piatti now has advanced, recognised environment management.
The certificate is awarded to businesses that tackle
their responsibilities in relation to the environment and establish
and document an environment management system in
accordance with the requirements of the international standard
ISO 14001:2004. For the certification, Piatti introduced
Elid Inc., which along with Warendorfer, represents other
international manufacturers of living room, kitchen and bath-
room furniture (including Villeroy & Boch), trades primarily in
the construction industry. Elid furnishes luxurious apartment
blocks. The wealthy private customer is also served. An at-
tractive new showroom in the heart of Seoul is primarily
aimed at this segment. In the kitchen display covering some
200 m 2 , Elid has numerous design examples on show: islands
with integrated lighting under the worktop, convenient tall
unit combinations and shelf units with downlights.
Piatti: ISO 14001 for environment management
What does Piatti want to achieve in the future?
Analyse Piatti will analyse both the ecological input (petrol/
diesel, electrical power, raw materials, consumables, water,
etc.) as well as the output (factory waste, construction site
waste, ash, noise, etc.).
Set objectives Piatti will prepare a catalogue of specific
measures to obtain measurable improvements, e.g. in relation
to the usage of energy, chemicals or work safety.
groundbreaking measures, including a mission statement
that defines the objectives in the areas of health, safety
and the environment. The entire value
added chain has also been optimised
in relation to the preservation of resources
and reduction of emissions. «
Inform Piatti will train and inform specialists and other staff
involved about the management system and integrate the
measures in the corporate behaviour.
Communicate Piatti will communicate continuously in customer
newspapers, the specialist press, local newspapers
and on the Internet, to win customers, partners and suppliers
for the common objectives.
Document Piatti will collect and add to existing measurement
documents as well as the statutory approvals and
archive them systematically.

Kitchens and Refrigeration
27
Elegance
F.l.t.r.: Jerry Lee, Chairman of Elid Inc.; Lars
Hypko, Export Manager Del Tongo Kitchen;
Kerstin Loeser, Director Warendorfer Küchen
GmbH; Seryang Ju, President Elid Inc.
Kerstin Loeser, the director responsible for export, sees good
business prospects for the second commitment in South East
Asia after Hong Kong: «Construction is booming, even in the
exclusive sector. These markets have enormous potential for
us.» The opening took place in the presence of Dr. Edgar
Oehler, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of AFG
Arbonia-Forster- Holding AG. After his opening speech, the
business partners cut the tape (picture above). «
Giuseppe Giussani integrates
Miele Kitchens in St.Moritz
The star architects Norman Foster & Partners built the
exclusive «Murezzan» residential project right on the
shopping boulevard in St.Moritz. The kitchen is also the
best: it is from Miele Kitchens. Foster realised the project
together with the interior decorator Matteo Huber di Lugan
and the interior designer Giuseppe Giussani, who decided for
Miele Kitchens. The 240 m 2 flat is right on the pedestrian
zone in St.Moritz and is divided into six rooms on one floor.
From the 50 m 2 living room there is direct access to the kitchen
– the only room in the flat without natural light. But the
kitchen is still the centre of family life. From the N12 range –
finest maple veneer – equipped with edge strip handles,
the kitchen integrates into the natural context of the flat in
combination with the stainless steel appliances. That special
effect in the kitchen is created by a white semiprecious stone
rear wall illuminated from behind. «
Exciting combinations of wood, paint and stainless steel materials
demonstrate the strength of Miele Kitchens.
Harmonically integrated and set in the scene with appropriate lighting:
the Miele kitchen.

28
Windows
and Doors
The new competence centre for EgoKiefer AG is at the recently renovated headquarters in Altstätten, St.Gallen.

Windows and Doors
The showroom is the centrepiece of the new EgoKiefer competence centre at the headquarters in Altstätten, St.Gallen.
Welcome to the new EgoKiefer
competence centre!
All facets of the new EgoKiefer competence centre at the headquarters in Altstätten, St.Gallen
reflect the business’s innovative power and market orientation. For customers, partners and
staff it provides various options for information and training events.
The new prestigious showroom forms the centrepiece of the
EgoKiefer competence centre. Over some 225 m 2 it provides
an optimal platform for the presentation of EgoKiefer innovations.
From the new EgoKiefer XL ® window technology, to
the latest system modules in the area of photovoltaics, shading,
automation, etc. the customer will find both the present
and the future of modern window and door manufacture.
True to the company strategy of «One Building – one Stop»,
some products from the other AFG divisions are also on
show. Along with design radiators from Arbonia and steel
kitchens from Forster, floor convectors from ASCO Swiss have
also been installed. The new multi-purpose room has capacity
for up to 100 people. Due to its multimedia features, training
and further training events for staff and external partners
from various sectors are regularly held here. This room is also
used during factory tours for the presentation of the company
and the products. The IT training room is equipped with
around ten PC workstations. This modern infrastructure is also
often used for training courses on information technology.
As before, people continue to be at the centre of all activities
29
at EgoKiefer. After all, it is the around 950 staff that make
EgoKiefer the market leader among its customers – with their
know-how, their commitment, their ideas. «
The IT training room: modern PC workstations
facilitate efficient learning.

30
House of the future with EgoKiefer windows
A vision becomes reality: a house that only functions with what nature offers. The «self-sufficient house»
is run independent of services, without any heating or electricity connection. The requirements on the windows
are correspondingly high. EgoKiefer meets these requirements optimally.
«Self-sufficient» means «satisfy one’s own needs, economic
independence». A self-sufficient house is operated, without
loss of comfort, using the resources that are available from
nature: sun, rain, plants. All surplus produced by the house
is re-used resulting in no operating costs. A pilot project is
currently underway in Flerden, in the Bündner mountains,
with the objective of building such a groundbreaking self-
sufficient house.
EgoKiefer commitment and technology
EgoKiefer is supplying the windows for the project as a commercial
partner. As a natural product, EgoKiefer wooden
windows are used; these windows feature very good environmental
performance and MINERGIE certification. Excellent
thermal insulation is achieved using the exclusive EgoKiefer
high-performance EgoVerre ® insulating glass with triple
glazing. The straw house with terraces was designed by the
University of Applied Sciences in Chur.
In harmony with nature
Building is as far as possible in synchronism with nature. After
three years of preparation, construction has been underway
since April 2007. The house was erected in July; 99 bails of
straw were positioned as the primary construction material
The energy-independent house of the future, here in a 3-D view,
is equipped with EgoKiefer windows.
for the home. During this construction phase, the first Ego-
Kiefer windows were installed in the wood-straw load bearing
structure. Installation was performed by EgoKiefer Fachbetrieb
Hausbau Schöb AG. The test family will move into their new,
independent home as early as the end of September 2007. «
Climate Cent: EgoKiefer as role model
EgoKiefer is the only manufacturer to offer window systems
in all materials that comply with the high requirements of the
programme for buildings run by the Climate Cent Foundation.
The innovative EgoKiefer window systems can also be
used in all grant categories. EgoKiefer has been working
Material
Window type
(solid frame)
Basic grant
CHF 20.–/m2 Triple glazing
CHF 36.–/m2 Minergie
CHF 42.–/m2 Wood
H
Wood/
aluminium
HA / HA 1 2 HA3 XL ®
EgoVerre ® basic version (Ug value 1.1 W/m 2 K), for Ha 1 /Ha 2 (Ug value 1.0 W/m 2 K)
EgoVerre ® triple (Ug value 0.8 W/m 2 K)
closely with the Climate Cent Foundation since the beginning
and is a pioneer in the window sector. This situation was also
apparent at the 1 st annual meeting of the programme for
buildings on May 23, 2007, when EgoKiefer was a guest
speaker. «
Plastic
Thermopack
(up to Ug value
0.5 W/m2 Thermopack
(up to Ug value
K)
0.5 W/m2 Minergiepack Minergiepack Minergiepack K) Minergiepack
The Climate Cent Foundation programme for buildings supports renovations that have high levels of energy saving with grants.
Unique: all EgoKiefer window systems are suitable for the Climate Cent Foundation programme for buildings.
MPR 2
MPR 3
XL ®
Plastic/
aluminium
MPR 2
Thermopack
(up to Ug value
0.5 W/m 2 K)

Windows and Doors
EgoKiefer window profiles:
top eco-classification
The recommendation on tendering sustainable window systems has recently
been revised by the «ecological construction» association. The result was
the «eco-devis», a new ecological service description. EgoKiefer window profiles
are assessed as excellent in relation to ecology.
The «eco-devis» are continuously updated; the windows
classification has recently been revised. The top classification
«ecologically interesting» now includes window profiles
made of plastic, if their frames have specific thermal insulation
performance features and do not contain any elements
of relevance to the environment. With the new, prize-
winning XL ® plastic window and the MPR 3 plastic window,
EgoKiefer is represented in the top class «ecologically interesting»
with two products. For wooden window frames,
a stipulated insulation value must be achieved for top
classification. The EgoKiefer wooden window has also be
classified in the highest class in this area as «ecologically
interesting». This top ecological classification once again
demonstrates that EgoKiefer is also number 1 in ecological
window manufacture, tackles its responsibility in relation to
the environment, and also actively implements these aspects
in the development of the products. «ecological construction»
is an association of public authorities that provides
planning tools for sustainable construction. The new planning
tool called «eco-devis» was developed for tenders.
Products for sustainable construction are assessed in this
tool based on three decision criteria: total energy consumption
in production; absence of elements relevant for the
environment in the product; recycling of the construction
products at the end of their use. «
PrefSUITE system: key data
EgoKiefer windows feature unbeatable thermal insulation
performance compared to conventional window systems.
PrefSUITE: knowledge at a click
Database size in Gigabytes 150
Users in branch offices and headquarters 200
New offers per month 3,600
New orders per month 1,800
Database transactions per hour 1,700,000
Databases for authorised specialists 65
Authorised specialist users 90
Since its introduction, the new, fully integrated EgoKiefer Pref-
SUITE front-end system for processing offers and orders has been
successfully further developed. The system is subject to continuous
development and optimisation using the product configuration
tool and knowledge database. All product innovations and additions
continuously flow into the knowledge database. As a result, customer
needs can always be described professionally with up-to-date information.
EgoKiefer authorised specialists are equipped with PrefSUITE. In this way
it is ensured that all customers – independent of whether they are in contact
with the branch office or an authorised specialist – are treated with
the same competence. «
31

32
RWD Schlatter and Empa:
joint fire protection test
In case of fire, doors play a crucial role. As a leading Swiss door manufacturer, RWD Schlatter AG is
continuously addressing the fire protection action of doors. As part of a VST research project, Empa
is testing together with RWD Schlatter the suitability of wood types in fires.
Fire protection doors must hinder the spread of a fire into
neighbouring rooms for a specific period of time (fire endurance).
Woods suitable for fire protection from sustainably
managed tropical forests are becoming increasingly important.
Imported woods with identical botanical names are
available on the market, however they are from different
regions with climatic conditions that cannot be compared.
For this reason it is questionable whether any type of wood
will always have the same fire protection action. Against this
background, RWD Schlatter AG is working with the Empa
(a materials science and technology research institution) and
the VST (Swiss door sector association) on a research project.
The objective is a classification system that is intended to
make it possible to assess the suitability of alternative wood
types for fire protection in fire protection doors. The combustion
velocity of twelve selected types of wood (six native
woods and six tropical woods) has been determined. For this
purpose, samples of each type of wood were subjected to a
thermal load for 30 minutes as per the standard fire curve
ISO 834-1 in the small trials furnace at the Empa’s fire laboratory.
Additional fire tests on door systems with alternative
woods are in preparation. It is expected to be able to present
specific results by the end of this year. «
The fire samples provide information on the fire protection action of the various types of wood.
Using this small trials furnace, Empa and RWD Schlatter are testing
the fire protection characteristics of woods.

Windows and Doors
Two-leaf, resistance class 3, door element
during the acid test.
The ift certification programme
verifies the burglary protection
of doors based on clearly
defined standards.
RWD Schlatter passes on
its experience
A high level conference on security will take place in Zurich from November 13 to
16, 2007: «Sicherheit 2007». Roger Herzig, Director of RWD Schlatter AG, will
present a paper on the topic of «Security in door engineering» on Wednesday,
November 14, at 15.30: project organisation from the point of view of a door sup-
Roger Herzig, Director of RWD
Schlatter AG, will give a paper on
the subject of «Security in door
engineering» on Wednesday,
November 14, 2007.
RWD Schlatter: successful
burglary protection
RWD Schlatter AG has passed the burglary protection tests on a two-leaf
door at ift in Rosenheim (D) the first time around. In the past RWD Schlatter
was able to provide single-leaf doors in the burglary protection sector in resistance
classes 1 to 4 in accordance with ENV 1627-1630. For the first time a two-leaf
door of resistance class 3 was required in a building. In this case the main problem
is of course the middle section. The key data for the tested doors are: resistance
class 3 in accordance with ENV 1627; two-leaf; internal size 2,300 x 2,300 mm.
Quality assurance by external checks
Experience shows that the manufacture of security doors requires a particularly
high accuracy finish. To ensure this requirement is met, RWD Schlatter has introduced
external production monitoring. ift Rosenheim undertakes regular checks
in the factory. This action entitles the business to use the ift seal. As a result RWD
Schlatter is also included on the list of manufacturers maintained by the crime
prevention authorities in Bavaria – and it is the only company that can provide
two-leaf wooden doors in this high resistance class. «
plier; tendering; mistakes in the tendering;
standard-compliance with existing certificates
or approval in the specific case; documentation;
maintenance and the costs resulting from plan-
ning mistakes. The conference is divided into
the areas threat situation, security planning and
technology, emergency management, crisis
management and risk management, fire protec-
tion, the human factor in the security concept
as well as IT security as part of information
protection. Further information:
MediaSec AG, telephone + 43 366 20 20
www.mediasec.ch/kongresse «
Made in
Switzerland
33
Doors from RWD Schlatter carry the
Swiss label. This label is reserved for
products that have been either manufactured
entirely in Switzerland or that
have been extensively processed or
finished in Switzerland. Without any
hint of phoney patriotism, the company
is proud that almost all doors leaving
the factory are also manufactured internally.
For the customers, this situation
means above all else that they can
count on a high degree of flexibility,
speed and customer proximity. Often
these aspects are more important in
the general hectic of complex building
projects than a low price. «

34
Steel Technology
Prominent Forster reference project: the opera house in Valencia.

Steel Technology
The Torre Espacio in Madrid – with 223 m and 53 floors the fourth highest building in Spain: 90 fire protection doors have been equipped
with the Forster fuego light system.
Forster Steel Technology:
shining premiere in Spain
Construmat in Barcelona is the most important trade show for construction on the Spanish
market. Together with its dealer, Comercial de Laminados S.A., Forster Steel Technology took
part in this show for the first time from May 14 to 19, 2007.
The complete product range from Forster Profile Systems in
steel and stainless steel was exhibited on the 120 m 2 stand.
The positive reaction from the visitors is an early indicator of
the likelihood of the success of Forster on this new market
for the company.
Impressive Forster reference customers
Large panels with pictures of prestigious Forster reference
projects from Valencia were integrated into the top part of
the stand, visible from some distance. The pictures of the
Alinghi Main Base and the Operà Valencia by the famous star
architect Santiago Calatrava went round the world during
the show as a result of the America’s Cup. During the show
the Forster team was surprised by a prominent visit – from
the New York-based architect’s office Pei Cobb Freed & Partners,
which has a branch office in Madrid. This architect’s
office has been commissioned to plan the skyscraper Torre
Espacio in Madrid. This and other contacts marked the start
of interesting business relationships.
Forster fuego light for the Torre Espacio
The Torre Espacio with 53 floors and a height of 223 m is the
fourth highest building in Spain. During the visit by the architect’s
office Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, various technical solutions
for around 90 fire doors were sought and discussed.
The challenge for the fire protection surrounds in this project
was the access control on the various floors and the related
anti-panic function of the doors that must also be assured
during a fire. It was possible to meet all requirements using
35
the Forster fuego light system in stainless steel. In the meantime,
Forster has received the order and also already delivered
the material. «
A new comprehensive product catalogue for Spain
was also announced at Construmat.

36
The Walder shoe shop in the centre of St.Gallen: large areas of glass provide a spacious feeling.
Forster unico:
new system – new shine
The Walder shoe shop with a long tradition and the best position in the pedestrian zone
in St.Gallen is shining with a new gloss. The Forster unico profile system defines the
elegant external appearance of the shop area.
When shoppers and tourists stream through the streets of
the old part of St.Gallen, a winning external appearance is an
important success factor. This fact is also apparent to the team
at the Walder shoe shop on Neugasse 30. As the exterior of
the shop area was past its best, it was not just a comprehensive
«facelifting» that was necessary, it was also necessary to
improve the light situation in the interior of the shop. After a
careful evaluation, it was decided to use an elegant solution
with the Forster unico profile system. Crucial for the choice
was the slender overall appearance only made possible by the
filigree profiles. In addition to the beneficial external appearance,
the aesthetic, innovative design also provides more
light inside the premises with a very positive effect on the
ambience. A further advantage: as a result of its immense
strength, the steel system from Forster unico provides good
protection against vandalism and burglary. «
Light
The additional daylight obtained is clearly noticeable in the interior
and benefits both the customers and the staff at Walder.

Steel Technology
Major project in Barcelona
with Forster unico
Welcome success for Forster: around 2,000 window elements with a new profile
shape from the Forster unico profile system are being installed in the «Mediacomplex»
in Barcelona; the profile shape was developed especially for this major project.
The 60,000 m 2 Media Park Barcelona was designed to promote
research and development in the audio-visual sector.
The Catalonian government wants to establish a leading
position on the international market with this project. Various
well-known companies are also establishing their headquarters
on the site beside the technical university. Up to now
more than 80 million euro have been invested in this park.
A special Forster profile developed for
«Mediacomplex»
The «Mediacomplex» tower designed by the architects
Patrick Genard and Carlos Ferrater is being built in the middle
of the Media Park. The building stands right beside the famous
AGBAR tower designed by the star architect Jean Nouvel. All
window elements on the exterior facade of the «Mediacomplex»
have been manufactured using the new thermally insulated
Forster unico system. A special profile was developed
specifically for this project, more than 13,000 m of the profile
were produced and in the meantime have already been delivered.
For Forster the «Mediacomplex» is a further milestone
in opening up the Spanish market. « The «Mediacomplex» in Barcelona is equipped
with special Forster profiles.
A modern, prestigious building from all sides – also thanks to AFG.
37

38
In the centre of the elaborate stand: the sample doors
from the Forster unico system.
There was also something for young visitors on
the metalworking stand.
Forster Profile Systems: new
sales network in Germany
By mutual agreement, Forster Profile Systems
and the long-standing dealer Interfer Dortmund
terminated their sales agreement for steel profile
systems on July 1, 2007.
An excellent solution is available for customers
with immediate effect: the long-term,
experienced dealers Kötter & Siefker, Alkuba,
Marx, Loesch and Ufer have taken over the
sales activities in the regions previously
covered by Interfer. The customers
were informed of the new situation
without delay. The Division Steel
Technology thanks its customers for
their loyalty and is certain they will
receive very good support from their
new dealer. «
The locations of the dealers for
Forster Profile Systems in Germany.
Immomesse:
Forster shines
The joint stand run by the metalworking sector in
eastern Switzerland at the property show in the Olma
halls, St.Gallen created a stir in March this year. For the
theme of the show, «metal», the eastern Switzerland re-
gional association of the SMU (Swiss Metal Union) set up
a joint stand that attracted considerable attention from the
visitors. The Forster Profile Systems business unit took part
with the presentation of the new window and door system,
Forster unico. Visitors were shown the various possibilities
in metalworking in an impressive and coherent manner. «
Loesch Metall GmbH,
northern branch office
25451 Hamburg-Quickborn
Alkuba Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH
10243 Berlin
Kötter + Siefker GmbH & Co. KG
49504 Lotte-Büren
Loesch Metall GmbH,
eastern branch office
01156 Dresden
Wilhelm Marx GmbH & Co. KG
99099 Erfurt
Wilhelm Marx GmbH & Co. KG
60327 Frankfurt a. M.
Christoph Ufer GmbH
76829 Landau
Bucher Systemtechnik
78628 Rottweil
Bucher Systemtechnik
88447 Warthausen

Steel Technology
Drawn profiles:
from the idea to the product
The sheet metal door profile 735.906/T was announced at BAU 2007 in Munich and attracted
considerable interest. The successful profile went from idea to manufacture in an exciting manner.
At the start there is a clever idea from development at Forster
Profile Systems inspired by market analyses and customer
surveys. The idea is «refined», sketched and reaches tool
making. There the tube to be used is defined and the tools
drawn. The tools are then manufactured, the tubes to be
used welded, and the profiles drawn. The profiles are then
assembled and used to make doors. Sounds simple you could
think. The actual route from the idea to the finished door is
somewhat more complicated:
When practice contradicts theory
The starting point is a finished profile shape from which
a tool sequence is defined for the manufacturing process.
For a complex shape, the steel tube used passes through
several stations until the final profile is complete. The individual
forming steps must be exactly matched to each other.
Then the exact manufacturing process is defined and the
prototypes manufactured. During this activity, theory and
practice may drift apart. In the case of this specific project,
there were problems with the drawing tip during prototype
manufacture. The tips must be matched to the drawing tool
due to the reduction in the cross-section of the profile shape
produced. The compressed materials cannot, of course, be
moved so easily through complex drawing dies. The tips must
be cut in sequence. If too much is cut away, although the entire
piece may pass through the drawing tool the remaining
tip cross-section is insufficient to adsorb the drawing force:
the tip is torn off.
Finished tools for the profile.
The finished, assembled profile.
39
Challenges with learning effect
Other difficulties arose with the point loads on the ribs, that is
the term used for the inserts in the drawing tool used to form
grooves or recesses. As a consequence, these ribs broke off
and had to be re-designed. Entry angles were changed, rounding
radii adjusted – and then everything worked. Of course,
such changes cost time. However, they also provide a significant
learning effect for subsequent development work. «

40
Surface
Technology
Chromium-plated screen basket: STI ResistCoat ® provides excellent protection against wear and surface finish functionality.

Surface Technology
State-of-the-art screen basket production line covering more than 18,000 m 2 in the STI Surface Center in Sternenfels-Diefenbach, Germany.
STI | Hartchrom with
state-of-the-art infrastructure
STI | Hartchrom is successfully defending its leading market position in the coating of parts
from the paper industry. With the continuous development of new technologies and the usage
of highly automated finishing lines, STI | Hartchrom specifically optimises solutions to suit
the needs of its customers and their industry.
STI | Hartchrom finishing technology was developed to meet
the commercial performance requirements on parts such as
cylinders, screen baskets, rolls and blades to the highest
quality. The objective and purpose is increased corrosion resistance,
excellent anti-adhesion properties, greater resistance
to temperature effects and mechanical wear. As a result,
system availability is increased and life cycle costs can be reduced.
The precision, functionality and quality of the coating
are key success factors for this demanding industry.
High-end solutions
Resistance to wear and impacts, defined slot widths, the possibility
of re-coating, compliance with minimum layer thicknesses
as well as short delivery times are also required for
screen baskets for processing waste in the paper industry.
The added value for customers is produced by high-end electropolishing
and chromium plating processes, a special plant
control system, state-of-the-art infrastructure and specialised
41
jig and fixture manufacture. Individual specifications are
manufactured in reproducible quality with exact control. The
speed of reaction of the staff also ensures maximum cost-
effectiveness and adaptation to the situation on the market
at any time, and that with very short order processing times.
If necessary, STI | Hartchrom provides an «express service».
STI Surface Center in Germany
STI | Hartchrom and its subsidiaries are continuously working
on providing advantages for the customer with the surface
finish. Due to customer proximity, know-how, a willingness
to innovate and its infrastructure, STI | Hartchrom creates
maximum customer benefit. The STI Surface Center in
Sternen fels-Diefenbach in Germany is equipped with the latest
generation coating plant for very high requirements. The
screen basket production line is the most modern and largest
in Europe – chromium plating and electropolishing facilities
are available in an area covering more than 18,000 m 2 . «

42
STI | Hartchrom:
a powerhouse!
New coatings are always coming onto the market. None of them are a match for hard
chromium plating: the process only subjects parts to low temperatures, very thick layers
are possible. Soft materials can also be chromium plated; the adhesive strength is very
high and the layers can be polished to a mirror finish.
Meets the highest requirements:
hard chromium-coated 17-metre long cylinder.
Hard chromium plating: application examples
Cylinders for the printing industry: due to the action of
aggressive media such as dye and cleaning agents, maximum
corrosion resistance is required here. In addition, the cylinders
must not only be dimensionally accurate to micrometres, but
also have a flawless surface so they can provide the best
possible print quality. Specially optimised hard chromium
coatings are used in this case; these provide maximum corrosion
protection and absolute freedom from pores (also on
castings) and are mechanically finished by CNC-controlled
precision cylindrical grinding machines.
The functional hard chromium plating only subjects parts to
be coated to very low temperatures in comparison to other
processes such that no distortion is produced. Very thick layers
can also be deposited. If the thickness is adequate, it is also
possible to chromium plate soft materials for high-load
applications. For thin layers, the base material must have
adequate hardness.
Quality and precision
In relation to adhesive strength, hard chromium plating is
better than competing processes, provided the pre-treatment
Guide rolls on a rolling machine (newspaper printing):
here the «Nanochrom ® » hard chromium coating,
an STI | Hartchrom development, is suitable as an easy to
clean surface with low «soiling» and long service life.
Screen baskets for waste material processing in the
paper industry: here the requirements are resistance to
wear and impacts, defined slot widths, the possibility of
repair, compliance with minimum coating thicknesses, as
well as short delivery times. A very wide range of coating
processes have been tested. Hard chromium plating has
won every time.

Surface Technology
is matched to the base material. Hard chromium coatings can
be ground and polished to a mirror finish. Due to the hardness
and homogeneous structure of the coating, surface
finish qualities are achieved that are not possible with other
coatings. STI | Hartchrom realises high-gloss surface finishes
with a roughness in the micro range on rolls with a surface
area of several square metres. Hard chromium coatings are
generally cheaper than other coating processes, particularly
for large parts. However, there are some cases in which the
combination of coating and mechanical finishing thermally
sprayed HVOF coatings can be interesting in terms of cost.
Calender rolls: hard chromium coatings have priority
particularly in high-end applications. Case 1: a paper mill
changed the calender rolls on a large paper machine from
hard chromium to another type of coating due to the greater
resistance to wear outside the production web. In view of the
massive corrosion problems, however, the mill changed back
to hard chromium coating again. Case 2: in the HVOF (High
Velocity Oxygen Fuel thermal spraying) process, thermally
sprayed layers permit a larger variety of ductors than hard
chromium coatings. However, a hard chromium coating with
matched ductor remains constantly smooth during usage, or
becomes even smoother.
43
Top class
«Innovation is the basis
for success.»
New markets, new products
STI | Hartchrom is continuously expanding its range of services
for its customers. In accordance with the motto «We surface
your visions», STI | Hartchrom provides individual complete
solutions and a large range of innovative processes and coatings.
Along with hard chromium plating and textured chromium
plating, STI | Hartchrom is covering a wide range of
new applications and possibilities to the usual excellent STI
quality with its adoption of thermal spraying (HVOF) and
chromium-ceramic coatings (deposition of ceramic in hard
chromium coatings). «
Piston crowns, piston rings for engines: a hard chromium
plating optimised for piston grooves combines very good
wear properties with good lubrication due to deposited «oil
pockets». Maximum protection against wear for piston rings
and increased thermal hardness of the coating is provided by
a new chromium-ceramic coating.
Gun barrels: due to the particularly high adhesive strength,
the durability of the coating, the protection against erosion
and the thermal protection action, hard chromium coatings
are unequalled for gun barrels. In the past, massive efforts
were made to replace hard chromium with other coatings.
However, the other coatings did not withstand the high
mechanical and thermal loads.

44
STI | Hartchrom headquarters in Steinach, Switzerland: advanced environment management is employed here.
Environmentally sound business:
the key to survival!
STI | Hartchrom is not just a leader in surface finish technology, the company has also had a pioneering
role in the environmental sector for years. As early as 1998, two years after the introduction of the
environment standard ISO 14001, Hartchrom AG, Steinach, Switzerland, was one of the first businesses
in the surface finish sector to achieve certification.
Permanently anchored in the Hartchrom Management System
(HMS), the drive for maximum quality and care in dealings
with people and the environment is actively experienced every
day at STI | Hartchrom. Thanks to its readiness to invest in the
«best available technology» from an ecological point of view,
the emissions at Hartchrom AG Steinach are so low that in
some areas they were used as the basis for increased severity
legal requirements (for example exhaust air figure).
Success factor Hartchrom Management System «HMS»
Consciousness of quality, safety and the environment is firmly
anchored into the corporate culture at STI | Hartchrom due to
the many years of consistent pioneering work. Environment,
health and safety are inseparable constituent elements of
quality. STI | Hartchrom voluntarily adopts obligations and
sets ambitious objectives. The basis for the integrated commitment
to quality, environment and safety is the Hartchrom
Management System (HMS). The system links and steers
every single internal process and obliges the continuous improvement
of processes. In the environment sector, activities
start during the development of environment-friendly products
and production facilities, the search for alternatives for
raw material usage, and collaboration with committed business
partners with the same attitude. The measures range
from participation in ecological research projects, respect for
natural resources, to appropriate, correct disposal.
Solvents reduced by 65%
An impressive example of eco design is the development of
solvent-free, water-based agents for cleaning parts on delivery.
The «aqueous remover» is from the in-house R&D lab and
has reduced the usage of solvents by 65% in four years.
Ongoing changes that enable waste chemicals to be used for
other processes are equally effective. In this way, for instance,
large amounts of acid are re-used in the purification plant
processes. The chromic acid left over after air purification is
also collected and re-used. 18 internal specialists, intensive
training courses and a compact handbook on quality, the environment
and safety contribute to ensuring the STI | Hartchrom
philosophy is experienced every day.
Elaborate safety infrastructure
Maximum safety for people and the environment also apply
during construction work. All baths, and as a result a large
part of the buildings at STI | Hartchrom AG in Steinach, have
chemically-resistant trays underneath them. As a result, in an
emergency both the chromic acid from the baths and any
water used for fire fighting will be collected. To exclude the
possibility of any risks, STI | Hartchrom AG in Steinach 2004
adopted a further structural measure: the road through the
site was laid lower to protect the company site from flooding
and the stream that flows past. «

Surface Technology 45
STI Worldwide Repair Service: unique!
If coating or mechanical repairs on coated parts are necessary and fast reaction
times required, STI | Hartchrom mobilises all its know-how and transfers it to
its customers, around the globe.
The STI Worldwide Repair Service is able to repair damage
and defects to treated surfaces on rolls and other, even
rotationally asymmetrical parts at customers worldwide.
By welding, plugging, local coating, specialist grinding and
re-polishing, the STI specialists help directly on site. With professional
equipment, damage is rapidly, competently and
appropriately repaired. The commercial advantages of the STI
Worldwide Repair Service such as service life extension, minimum
downtimes, reduction in assembly and transport costs
are as numerous as the applications in a very wide range of
industries: parts for engines and drives, drilling rigs and platforms,
hydraulic elements, rubber cylinders, plate cylinders,
drying cylinders, impression cylinders, ball valves, parts for
pumps, calender rolls and cooling drums. As a technological
leader with the necessary know-how and a mobile infrastruc-
The two pylons on the world’s second largest
suspension bridge over the Great Belt are
the highest point in Denmark at 254 m above
sea level.
STI | Hartchrom – present worldwide.
ture, STI | Hartchrom is equipped for the mass revision and
rapid repair of parts at any time. By selectively coating
or locally electroplating (hard chromium, nickel plating, etc.),
defects in the surface finish are rectified, mechanically finished
by grinding and polishing and perfectly matched to
the surrounding area. «
STI | Hartchrom: now also in construction
STI | Hartchrom is actively involved in gaining a foothold in the construction sector: its coatings
significantly increase the serviceability of pressurised pipes on high-pressure concrete pumps
and optimise the protection against wear on hydraulic parts in construction machinery.
If heavy construction machinery is taken to a large construction site, the serviceability
of the equipment is as much a crucial commercial factor as its performance.
Downtimes can cause very high costs and delays. A repair on the construction
site is often impossible. To pump liquid concrete to the top of the highest building
in the world, powerful, hydraulically operated reciprocating pumps are used.
Theoretically, commercially available systems can reach heights of up to 750 m.
To increase the serviceability of the pressurised pump pipes during the pumping
of the abrasive liquid concrete, the surfaces are coated by STI | Hartchrom. As a
further customer benefit, the friction of the moving parts is also optimised by the
STI ResistCoat ® . Along with specialist consultation, STI | Hartchrom provides its
customers with a comprehensive service. During this process STI | Hartchrom also
works closely with AFG subsidiaries and provides its customers with a custom
solution for the logistics and transport concepts, as well as for series production
of coated parts. «

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