Supporting your business worldwide - Bekaert

Supporting your business worldwide

Contents
PLEASED TO MEET YOU
WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER
4 Introducing Bekaert
8 Global presence to support
your business
12 Developing for tomorrow
15 Expanding our horizons
since 1880
01
02
YOUR BUSINESS,
OUR BUSINESS
18 The automotive sector
20 The energy & utilities sector
22 The construction sector
24 Consumer goods
25 The equipment sector
26 The agricultural sector
27 The basic materials sector
THE WORLD AROUND US,
OUR SHARED CONCERN
28 Sustainability is in our DNA
32 Part of your life
03
better together
34 better together stories
04

3
Pleased to meet you
For 130 years now, customers all over the world continue to work with Bekaert. Because of our unique metal
transformation technologies, combined with our coating know-how. This is what we are good at: we transform
metal. From the wire rod we draw, we develop a comprehensive range of high-tech steel wire products and we
offer fully-fledged expertise in coating technology. All for innovative market solutions that add value to your
business.
better together sums up the unique cooperation between Bekaert and its business partners. We want to help you
grow your business. We want to support you with consistent quality performance on a global scale.
With innovative product development and excellent customer service. We aim to meet your needs and provide
you with added value not only in the short term, but for the long haul as well.
You can find our products in automobiles, windmills, elevators, tunnels and bridges; in homes and offices;
in machines and offshore; to name just a few. If it drives, generates, ascends, filters, or reinforces, there is a
good chance Bekaert products are helping it do so. We work with you and your customers to keep the world
moving. This is what drives us: the desire to give you a competitive edge in your market and sector.
This brochure will tell you more about the markets we serve and the activities in which we are involved.
It will also explain how Bekaert and our business partners put better together into action with inspiring projects
that build and strengthen market positions. I hope our approach strikes a chord with you.
And if you would like to write a new story with us, our door is always open.
Bert De Graeve
Chief Executive Officer

4
Introducing Bekaert
Who We Are
- Founded in 1880
- Technologically strong in advanced metal transformation and advanced coatings:
a unique combination of expertise
- Customers in over 120 countries and in diverse markets and sectors
- More than 27 000 employees worldwide
- Headquarters in Belgium
- Combined sales in 2010: € 4.5 billion
- Consolidated sales in 2010: € 3.3 billion
- Listed on Euronext ® Brussels (BEKB)
- Reporting under IFRS
- Chairman of the Board of Directors: Baron Buysse
- Chief Executive Officer: Bert De Graeve
www.bekaert.com
www.bekaert.mobi

5
What we have to offer
Bekaert offers on a global scale a quality portfolio of high added
value drawn steel wire products and coating solutions. We are
passionate about finding the next market trend so we can help you
strengthen your market position.
Strength through synergy
Transforming steel wire and applying coating technology, that is
our core business. We have 130 years of experience in creating wire
products of the form, quality and composition best suited to your
needs. Working together, we draw on this expertise to develop the
right solutions for you.
better together is built on
130 years of materials expertise,
a tradition of operational excellence,
openness to the wider world,
and responsiveness to new trends
and developments – the same factors
that make Bekaert market
and technological leader.
Our primary raw material is wire rod – we purchase more than
2.6 million tons annually. Depending on your requirements, we draw
wire from it in different strengths and diameters, even ultrafine fibers
of 1 micron. We group the wires into cords, weave or knit them into
fabric, or process them into an end-product. Our market-oriented
innovation guarantees an up-to-date product portfolio with new
products and new functionalities that are better, stronger, faster,
longer-lasting, and more materially-efficient.
Bekaert is unique for its combination of metal
transformation and coating technology, which has
brought forth a wide variety of products, tailored to
our customers’ needs.
Depending on the application, we apply high-tech coatings to
wires and other materials, such as film and sputter targets.
These coatings can reduce friction, improve corrosion resistance,
or enhance wear resistance. Together, our core competences give
you an edge in your market.
Our primary raw material is wire rod, purchased from
steel suppliers all over the world in 250 different
compositions to produce wire products that meet
the highest expectations.

6
Stimulating
cross-fertilization
Steel wire plays a key role in tens of
thousands of applications. Some
Bekaert products are complete
solutions; others are part of a larger
whole. With this in mind, we
maximize the synergies between
our activities in different markets
and sectors. We draw inspiration
from solutions developed in
response to other challenges so
that each customer benefits from
our presence in practically every
industrial sector.
We focus not only on your
technological specifications as an
industrial customer, but also on
the needs of your end-users. It
is Bekaert’s ambition to find a
state-of-the-art solution to every
problem, however customerspecific,
by making optimal use
of our expertise.
better together, the core of
our corporate philosophy
Throughout its long history, Bekaert
has believed in the value of strong
partnerships and sustainable
customer relationships.
better together sums up the unique
cooperative approach for Bekaert
and its business partners.
The essence of Bekaert is in the
alliances we form with our customers.
We aim to help you achieve a leading
position in your market. Your success
is our success. That is what
better together means for us.
We want to help you grow your
business. We want to know what
challenges you face, how you
view new developments, how you
plan to grow, and where you need
greater efficiency. We want to meet
your needs and offer you added
value for both now and in the
longer term.
better together is the core of our
entire business philosophy. It is the
basis of our strategy for achieving
sustainable profitable growth. And
it is the way we give you the edge
you need in your market.
It is Bekaert’s ambition to find a state-of-the-art
solution to every problem, however customerspecific
it may be, by making optimal use
of our expertise.
Focus on two core competences
Strength through synergy. This applies not only to our customer relationships, but also to the way we combine our
core competences. Bekaert’s entire product portfolio, from advanced wires to high-tech materials and coatings,
is centered around two major technology axes: metal transformation and coating technologies.
Metal transformation focuses on the bulk properties of our products: finding the right metal composition,
using the appropriate thermal treatments, and implementing different forming and joining techniques to obtain
the properties needed. Strength, ductility, fatigue-resistance, shape and dimensions, conductivity, magnetic
permeability … our processes provide you with the wire product you need.
Coating technologies focus on the surface properties of our products: selecting the right surface treatments
for the material and depositing the right amount (from nanometers to micrometers) of just about any material
(metals, polymers, ceramics) onto the base. Adhesion, corrosion or wear resistance, aesthetic appearance,
anti-fouling behavior … coating the product properly can optimize its performance.
Our customers not only benefit from innovative products and materials, they can rely on Bekaert’s proprietary
manufacturing processes: we make our quality products efficiently and on an industrial scale.

7
A strategy at work
The strategy of sustainable profitable growth and our better together philosophy are further expanded today in
‘The Bekaert Way’. Sustainable profitable growth is our long-term strategic goal. Year after year, we strengthen
the two forces that drive our success: worldwide market leadership and technological leadership.
At Bekaert, we are focused on putting our better together philosophy into practice so that the entire company,
its various entities and its many employees, work toward sustainable profitable growth.
The Bekaert Way
Vision
> Sustainable Profitable Growth
Our vision is reflected in our
philosophy:
better together
For growth,
for profitability,
for sustainability.
Corporate Social Responsibility
> People/ Environment/ Society
We want to achieve growth
responsibly and with respect for
our employees. This is why health
and safety in the workplace
remain the most important
Key Performance Indicators.
We strive for minimal
environmental impact of our
products and our production
activities, and we have an
integrated environmental policy
across all our operations worldwide.
Total Quality Management
> Preferred Supplier/
Committed Employees/
Operational Excellence
Way of Working
> Customer Focus/ Innovation/
Result Driven/
Self-Management/
Focus on Talent
A structured approach to our
work and specific skills of our
employees are required: a focus
on the customer, innovation, and
talent; a result-driven approach;
and the ability to self-manage.
These are the keys to our
long-term success: Bekaert’s
success depends upon the
aspirations of our employees.
Values
> Resilience/ Trust/ Integrity
Our 3 basic values are becoming
increasingly important as we
continue our sustainable growth
strategy and expand our workforce
from the world’s most diverse
countries and cultures.
• Resilience is synonymous with
versatility, flexibility, and
adaptability: qualities that have
allowed us to build on 130 years
of success.
• Trust – that of our partners, our
shareholders, our society – has
to be earned anew every day.
• The professional integrity of a
loyal team player is an essential
building block to our success.
These three values guide us at
Bekaert in the choices and
decisions we make every day.
We continue our long tradition
of Total Quality Management.
We want to be our customers’
preferred supplier. And so our staff,
from every corner of the globe,
bring passion and dedication to
their work. With our unfailing
operational excellence, our
employees are motivated and
our customers satisfied.

8
Global presence to support
your business
Being part of your solution means being part of your business. Backed by our global presence and technological
leadership we can respond quickly to your needs, wherever you are located.

9
Our sales network is close at hand
European by origin, Bekaert has grown into a global
player active on every continent. You can rely on a
worldwide sales network that is responsive to market
changes. Bekaert believes that its performance is
directly related to the skills and motivation of its
people. You will be working with highly trained and
result-driven professionals whose constant aim is to
create added value for your business. This way, you
get the most from our global reach: our expertise, our
efficiency, our proximity.
Our production network strengthens yours
Because the success of your business is important to
us, we work constantly to strengthen our global
manufacturing footprint. With production facilities
worldwide, we are able to meet the needs of our
customers and our markets quickly and effectively.
We align our facilities with local requirements while still
ensuring they conform to our international standards of
quality and safety.
Bekaert is present wherever you do business. We are
renewing ourselves in mature markets and investing in
emerging markets, including the BRIC countries.
Our Latin American investments date back to the
1950s and we recently strengthened our strategic
position still further there. In Asia as well, we were
one of the first companies to recognize the vast
opportunities the growing Chinese economy has to
offer. Our plants in China already employ a workforce
of more than 10 000. When demand grew in Central
Europe, we directed our focus to that region too.
In Russia, we have set up a local manufacturing plant.
In India, we have the production capacity needed to
match the country’s future growth.
For Bekaert, ‘close to the customer’ is about more
than geography. We are guided by your plans, your
priorities, and your approach.
Committed in products and approach
Our commitment to you is not just about product
quality. We also demonstrate this commitment in the
way we meet your needs and desires. We talk to you
about what you want in terms of product quality,
production methods, and processes. Then, products,
planning, delivery performance, and inventory management
are all based around that dialogue.
Our high flexibility enables us to match production
capacity to market demand, working tirelessly to
ensure that our products and our approach are just
what you need.
Driven to excel
Anyone who has worked with Bekaert knows how
committed we are to total quality. We have spent many
decades refining our total quality management
program and expanding it into new areas. Through
benchmarking across locations, divisions, continents,
and teams, we select the best practices and spread
them throughout our worldwide organization. Total
quality management is the springboard from which we
pursue our constant drive for excellence. After all,
operational excellence is what ensures that our
customers are satisfied.
You can rely on our worldwide production and sales network to meet your needs quickly and effectively.

10
Where shall we meet
When you choose Bekaert, you will benefit from our commitment to local service, supported by our global
presence. We aim to excel as a dependable, ever-advancing supplier. You can rely on our worldwide
production and sales network to meet your needs quickly and effectively.
North America
2 000 personnel
Combined sales:
€ 631 million
14%
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Anticipating
new trends
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Latin America
7 300 personnel
Consolidated sales:
€ 311 million
Combined sales:
€ 1 528 million
34%
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Intensifi ed
customer service
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All data as per year-end 2010

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EMEA
6 800 personnel
Combined sales:
€ 1 057 million
24%
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Differentiation
and innovation
in a shifting
market
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Combined sales are sales generated by consolidated companies plus 100%
of sales of joint ventures and associates after intercompany eliminations.
31/03/09 10:43:19
Asia-Pacific
11 200 personnel
Combined sales:
€ 1 254 million
28%
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Increasing
possibilities

12
Developing for tomorrow
Innovation profile
- Annual investment in Research and Development of about € 80 million
- An international team of 700 R&D specialists
- Technology centers in Belgium and China and development labs worldwide
- Dedicated pilot lines for specific product and process development
- A portfolio of 2 000 patents
- Market-driven R&D: over 70% of our innovation projects are initiated by the local
production and sales centers
- Open innovation at work: a majority of projects are run in close cooperation with
external partners such as customers, universities, or research centers

13
How we work closely with you
Being at the forefront of technological
innovation is one of the key
pillars in Bekaert’s strategy to
achieve sustainable profitable
growth. The resources we invest
in technology and innovation
account for approximately 2.5% of
consolidated sales.
Our research and development
activities are aimed at new
products and product applications
as well as innovative production
processes that limit costs,
environmental impact and energy
consumption; we also create and
design increasingly efficient
production equipment in our
Engineering department.
We attach particular importance
to co-development, focusing on
highly specific problems or
business situations. Customerdriven
innovation keeps us ahead
of the competition.
Leadership in technology
At our main Technology Center in
Deerlijk (Belgium) and the Bekaert
Asia R&D Center in Jiangyin
(China), teams of highly qualified
scientists and engineers work
closely with lead customers.
We regularly engage in joint R&D
projects with our customers and
suppliers as part of our consistent
endeavor to leverage ideas and
knowledge, expertise and
resources to increase our skills
and know-how. Our cooperative
projects have resulted in various
successful applications, such as
coated elevator cords for higher
fatigue resistance and steel cord
with increased tensile strength for
lighter, more durable tires.
We also maximize the
synergy across our two core
competences. For example,
we apply unique coatings to
impart specific properties to
our advanced wire products,
like corrosion-resistance, antifouling
or aesthetic appearance.
This results in steady growth in
our product offering, in both
mature and emerging markets.
Open innovation cuts
lead times
In order to promote synergy
and accelerate technological
innovations, Bekaert engages in
‘open innovation’. We cooperate
not only with our customers,
but also with other parties,
including universities, research
centers, etc. This means
we innovate faster, discover
complementary knowledge
and skills, and ensure R&D at
lower cost.
Speeding up development
with corporate venturing
We also engage in long-term
innovation by investing in high-tech
risk capital funds and in young,
rapidly-growing high-tech companies
whose expertise or market
reach complement Bekaert’s own.
This is yet another example of how
we put our better together
philosophy into action.
Added value through
engineering
At Bekaert we have an own
engineering department, which
designs, assembles and installs
the critical equipment for our
various production plants around
the world, and which globalizes
spare parts asset management.
Thanks to Bekaert’s in-house
expertise and thorough knowledge
of our own manufacturing
needs, our production plants are
equipped with the most advanced
machines and infrastructure.
This, in turn, enables us to match
our production methods to your
company’s practices.
Since 2009 the R&D activity of
Engineering clearly focuses on
increased energy saving,
eco-friendlier equipment and the
upgrading of existing equipment
in order to reduce energy
consumption and put higher
levels of automation.
Throughout the years our in-house engineering department
has built up thorough expertise and specialized knowledge
of our manufacturing needs.
Our state-of-the-art mechanical, chemical and materials labs supply
fast and accurate test results to support customer-driven research
projects.

14
From idea to automated
production line
Innovation is a key process at
Bekaert. It is a vital part of our
endeavor to ensure that our
product portfolio meets the
changing needs of our customers
and is ready to respond to shifts
in societal and market trends.
Finding the right idea and then
cultivating it into a product tailored
to our customers’ needs requires
a specific approach.
Our innovation methodology
comprises several steps to ensure
that customers benefit from a
dedicated and efficient process.
Extensive lab capabilities and
pilot lines
Our technology centers are
equipped with extensive lab
facilities for both fundamental and
applied research. The labs are
specialized in the analysis of
material properties, both bulk and
surface, such as (electro-)chemical
activity of materials and coatings.
On top of that, pilot lines at the
technology centers are used to
test new processes or process
adaptations without disturbing
ongoing production. That way, we
can expand our knowledge and
speed up our time to market.
Idea
generation
Strategic
guidance
Feasability
study
Idea evaluation
& selection
Staying ahead of the game:
trends in technology
Bekaert is committed to being on
the cutting edge of international
trends in research and
development.
Internationalization is
accelerating
In recent years, our technology
efforts have been internationalized
at high speed. Not only has a
significant technology arm
been expanded into China,
the technology team in Belgium
has welcomed a growing number
of nationalities and disciplines.
A brand-new R&D building
equipped with labs, pilot lines,
and offices has been put in use
in Jiangyin, China. In Pune, India,
we opened a new technical center
early 2010.
The goal is to better support local
customers and to accelerate our
global growth. These centers
engage in lab test services for
local customers, and assists in the
development, implementation,
upgrade, and protection of both
current and future technology.
Research
project
Concept
assessment
Development
project
Project
assessment
Market-driven R&D is based on a structured, multi-phase innovation process.
Cross-functional cooperation
is increasing
Ever closer cooperation
between our engineering
department, technology centers,
and production plants provides for
more efficient innovation, faster
results, and better technical
support.
Innovation is driven by the
environment
In the development of new
products, we never ignore the
challenges of tomorrow:
the demand for adequate,
clean materials and the growing
needs for mobility and for materials
with improved properties.
These challenges are the driving
force behind our growth.
Some examples:
• Ultra-thin metal fibers used in
gas burners allow for efficient
incineration and low NO x
and
hydrocarbon emissions.
• We developed a superior
coating for galvanized steel cord
that promotes adhesion with
polymers, rendering the use of
solvents unnecessary.
Technical
Assistance
Market
Introduction
R&D is the key driver of Bekaert’s technological leadership. It is responsible for the
development of new technologies and processes and it is essential in the co-development
of solutions and applications together with our customers.

15
15
Expanding our horizons since 1880
2010: Strategic growth
Bekaert opens its newly built steel
cord plant in Lipetsk, Russia and
completes the acquisition of two
Bridgestone tire cord plants.
2008: Inland China
Bekaert concludes a strategic
partnership with Ansteel, a leader in the
Chinese steel industry. They invest in
a joint-venture plant in Chongqing
in inland China.
1997: Brazil
In 1997, Bekaert acquires a 45% share
in Belgo-Mineira Bekaert Trefilarias S.A.
in Brazil, significantly strengthening our
presence in Latin America.
1993: China
In 1993, Bekaert takes a significant
step in China: having served customers
there for many years, Bekaert decides
to set up a production platform in
conjunction with a Chinese partner.
1972: Stock exchange
In 1972, Bekaert goes public and the
Bekaert family opens up the company
to new shareholders. In just a little over
two minutes, all available Bekaert
shares are sold.
2009: Andina
Bekaert further consolidates its
wire activities in Latin America by
establishing a holding company with
its partners and becoming the principal
shareholder.
2003: Central Europe
Bekaert expands its manufacturing
capacity in Central Europe by acquiring
two wire plants in Slovakia.
1996: India and Indonesia
In 1996, Bekaert announces plans to
build steel cord plants in Pune (India)
and Karawang (Indonesia), establishing
bases in these emerging markets.
1988: United States
In 1988, Bekaert builds a third wire mill
and a third steel cord plant in the
United States, in Shelbyville (Kentucky)
and Rogers (Arkansas), respectively.
1950: Latin America
In 1950, Bekaert sets up its first plant
in Chile with local partners.
1922: Bourbourg
In 1922, Bekaert makes its first crossborder
move, acquiring an interest in a wire
mill in Bourbourg, France. This expansion
gives a new dimension to Bekaert, and is
the start of a continuous expansion and
internationalization process of the
company throughout its history.
1880: Leo Leander Bekaert
Leo Leander Bekaert starts a business
in Belgium making barbed wire. Later
that year, he develops his own starshaped
‘crowns’ that can be woven in
with the wire. He patents his invention.

16
Your business, our business
Our presence in just about every sector is a unique strength, both for Bekaert and for our customers.
Did you know
- The length of our daily production of tire cord worldwide, is the distance from the
earth to the moon and back.
- Every year, 5 million m³ concrete is being reinforced with Dramix ® steel fibers
invented by Bekaert.
- Bekaert sawing wire can be delivered on spools of up to 1 200 km without any weld.
- Every year 500 million bottles of champagne are opened via the muselet made of
Bekaert wire.
- Worldwide 3 out of 4 PU timing belts are reinforced with Bekaert fine steel cords.
- The strongest conveyor belt in the world is reinforced with Bekaert steel cord and
has an actual breaking strength of 7800 N/mm.

17
33%
Automotive
Driving tomorrow’s growth
24%
Energy & utilities
Exploring new limits
18%
Construction
Building new opportunities
8%
Consumer goods
Enhancing comfort and convenience
7%
Equipment
Pushing performance levels
6%
Agriculture
Cultivating excellence
4%
Basic materials
Supporting your industry

18
The automotive sector
A passenger car can contain up to 30 kg of Bekaert wire products.

19
Wiper component wire
Pierce nuts in chassis
Clutch spring wire
Steel cord and bead wire
Hybrid reinforcement
fabric for bumper beams
Suspension spring wire
Diesel particulate fi lter
media
Insulator wire
Window fi lm
Heating cord
Power spring (seat recliner)
Steering column profi les
The automotive sector is the largest user of Bekaert
products, accounting for 33% of our sales. We set
ourselves apart from the competition with consistent
high quality products and innovations tailored to
our customers’ needs. We supply steel cord for
reinforcing radial tires to nearly all major tire
manufacturers in the world: one in four tires worldwide
is reinforced with Bekaert steel cord. We also supply
Co-development for tire projects
Another example of our commitment to
innovation and greener technology is our
development project aimed at creating a
new generation of light-weight tires with
weight savings of 30% and a reduction of
rolling resistance by 25% when compared to
conventional tires. This would result in a 5%
cut in the vehicle’s total fuel consumption.
The tires would be produced from different
polymers than conventional rubber and from
light-weight steel with high tensile strength.
specialized wire products that meet the highest quality
standards. These include spring wires, fi ne cable wires,
wires for airbags, wires and cables for window elevator
systems, wires for windshield wiper arms and blades,
and welding wires.
In this sector, we are constantly striving to make
products of higher quality and doing so without infl ating
costs. Bumper reinforcement based on steel cord and
glass fi ber is an example of this commitment. It is
an innovative Bekaert application that combines the
strength of steel with a lower weight, outperforming
the existing solutions at a competitive price. Moreover,
it allows for a higher level of functional integration and
offers greater design possibilities.
Environmental protection and sustainability are also
driving forces behind innovation in the automotive sector.
Bekaert sees robust growth in products which ensure
that solutions last longer or that cars consume less. We
have also developed metal fi bers for fi ltering particulates
from diesel exhausts and heating cord for selective
catalytic reduction systems used to cut emissions.
= Contributing to a better environment

20
The energy & utilities sector
The circumstances for oil recovery are increasingly challenging, and demand ever-improved methods and materials.
Bekaert supplies the industry with high-quality solutions like wires and cables for offshore oil exploration, and flat and profiled
wires to reinforce offshore pipes.

21
Fine cord for timing
belts
Sawing wire
Steel cord-reinforced
thermoplastic strips
Clean enclosed
burners
Wires for armoring
umbilicals
Wires for armoring
marine cables
Shaped wires for
fl exible pipes
Armoring wires for
power cables
Profi led wire
Steel wire-armoring for
telecom cables
Steel wires and strands
for overhead power lines
Wires for large 6-strand
ropes for mooring lines
In the oil & gas industry all over the world, Bekaert
products play a key role. Whether it concerns
onshore or offshore oil extraction or gas mining,
Bekaert products contribute to sustainable, safer
and more cost-effective operations. In addition to its
contributions to the production and distribution of
energy, Bekaert is also active in telecommunications.
Our solutions for this sector include cable reinforcement,
wires and cables for oil and gas drilling and burners that
guarantee optimal incineration of residual gases during
oil extraction.
From the search for
suitable wells to creating
the wellness and ambient
comfort at people’s homes.
The search for renewable energy is a pre-eminent driving
force behind our innovation. Prime examples are our
sawing wire which allows our customers – manufacturers
in the photovoltaic industry – to cut polysilicon for solar
cells with a minimum loss of materials, and our fi ne cords
to reinforce timing belts used in wind turbines.
The higher demand on the part of both consumers and
industry for energy, along with the gradual depletion of
energy reserves, open the door to the use of advanced
technologies for the extraction of energy sources under
increasingly diffi cult circumstances. Our customers rely
on Bekaert’s extensive knowledge of mechanical
strengths, coatings, specifi c wire forms, and applications
to assist in this domain. Bekaert Armofor ® composite
strips for example, make a signifi cant contribution to
maintain the output of existing oil sources at the current
level. High pressure fl exible thermoplastic pipes form
a cost effective, long lasting solution when compared to
steel pipes in water injection.

22
The construction sector
A particularly large-scale construction project in Brazil is the new building for the administrative services of the state of Minas Gerais
in Belo Horizonte, designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. The five-storey building is hung from 1 080 plastic-coated,
prestressed concrete strands from Bekaert, which are fixed onto 15 concrete beams, also reinforced by prestressed concrete
strands. The two other administrative buildings integrate Bekaert Murfor ® reinforced masonry.

23
Fencing
Dramix ® steel fi bers
and Dramix ® Green
Hoisting cables for
elevator belts
Environment-friendly
gas burner
Bekaert Mesh Track
Wire for guiderails
Bekaert Murfor ®
Bekaert Stucanet ®
Welded mesh
Window fi lm
Nails and nail wire
solutions
Bekaert Bekinox ® Color
for architectural applications
Terminal 3 at the Beijing Capital International
Airport is known for being the world’s largest
airport building. The breathtaking dragon-like
structure took four years to construct, covers
more than a million square meters and is
designed to accommodate an estimated
50 million passengers a year by 2020.
Beautiful glass ceilings make for a stunning
architectural structure, but also a solar heat
gain nightmare. To solve their solar heat
control problems, the airport looked to Solar
Gard ® Sterling 20. Solar Gard ® Sterling 20
window fi lm has been successfully installed
on 10 000 square meters of the structures’
glass roof. With the fi lm blocking 99% of
ultraviolet rays and total solar energy rejection
up to 76%, the airport management are
completely satisfi ed with our fi lm's effects
on solar heat reduction.
Civil, residential and industrial construction sectors put their
faith in Bekaert. Our wire, mesh, and fi ber products fi nd
applications in construction: in lifts and burners, fencing and
reinforcement, roads and bridges; in architectural solutions
and concrete reinforcement. We are driven by our quest for
more environment-friendly solutions with a focus on better
materials, greater safety, and lower energy consumption.
We strive for sustainable, cost-effi cient applications with
a minimum impact on the environment. For example,
Bekaert supports the need for greater effi ciency in energy
consumption with energy-effi cient burners and window fi lm.
We offer customers in the construction sector nails and
nail wire, pre-stressed concrete cord and wire, and plaster
laths and corner protectors, as well as solutions for erosion
protection. Our strong presence in local markets has
triggered a number of new product developments for
specifi c applications, including mining. For example, 15% of
our sales in Latin American construction are generated by
products that are specifi cally tuned to local demand.
In mature markets, we are seeing a different pattern of
demand and one that is characterized by higher quality
requirements with, for instance, a trend toward materials
with a high resistance to corrosion or ones which allow for
faster, simpler project completion, such as Dramix ® steel
fi bers. In addition, we support our customers with a wide
range of services, from consulting to the supply of fi ber
dosing equipment.

24
Often unseen, but always there: Bekaert is a part of the products we all use every day. That is why we listen to
our end consumers. What they want is essential, for our customers’ business and for ours.
Colored champagne
cork wire
Bra wire
Consumer goods
The wide range of applications for Bekaert wire attest to our success in
satisfying diverse customer requirements. End users have their choice
of our wires in a variety of coatings and colors, including champagne
cork muselets, paper clips, fishhooks, staples and spokes, as well as
industrial applications like ski lift cables, inkjet cartridges, heat resistant
textiles, and much more.
Global consumerism is the present trend. As higher quality and comfort
standards and functionalities are required, the demand for more advanced
coated steel wire products evolves accordingly.
Bookbinding wire
Bedding and seating
spring wire
Medical and dental wire

Hose wires of high tensile strength reinforce high pressure hoses.
25
Brush wire
Carding solutions for
the textile industry
The equipment sector
For heavy equipment makers and operators, we supply a range of specialized
wire product components. These include: fine cord, spring wire and profiled
wire, high-pressure hose armoring wire, hydraulic filter media, and steel wire
for cranes. Bekaert offers customers in the textile industry wires for carding.
We also produce high-grade steel wire for the heddles and springs of
Jacquard looms.
Bekaert produces an extensive range of high carbon rope wires for hoisting
rope applications, providing an excellent ductility on wire level leading to
optimal fatigue properties on rope level.
Our solutions are used both in the machines themselves and in their assembly.
As Bekaert builds its own proprietary machinery, we know exactly what it
means to make high-performance equipment allowing a manufacturing
company to produce goods with a focus on operational excellence.
Welding wire
Hose reinforcement wire
Fine cord for timing belts

26
At Bekaert, we have been providing the highest quality fencing products to the agricultural industry for 130 years.
We listen to our customers and develop innovative fencing solutions so you can build a better fence.
Auger wire for
animal feed systems
Barbed wire
The agricultural sector
Across the agricultural sector, we are working on future-oriented innovations that
increase productivity and make day-to-day work easier. In emerging markets like
Latin America, we have had particular success with traditional wire products,
such as barbed wire, while our growth in more mature markets like North
America is driven by special products, such as fences with specific tensile
strength and corrosion resistance requirements, like Solidlock ® fixed knot
fences. Through our global footprint and our mix of trading and manufacture,
we can offer total packages to our customers.
Vineyards and other fruit and vegetable growers around the world rely on our
wire for training their vines, especially the recently developed biodegradable
version of our Bekaert wire.
But Bekaert offers more than just vineyard wire. We provide an answer to all of
the sector’s requirements: wires, posts, fencing, tools, shading, joining and
tensioning devices. This has greatly increased sales and turned the one-stopshop
service approach to our customers into reality.
Wire for oyster
breeding cages
Wire and mesh for fish
farming
Vineyard wire

Bekaert Bekinox ® stainless steel fibers and yarns - for instance in fabric for protective clothing - are used to safely
discharge static electricity which can lead to explosions or damage electronic equipment.
27
Rotatable sputter
solutions
Filtration media,
elements and systems
Many Bekaert products are used in exploring and producing raw materials,
from coal and metals to glass, pulp, and paper to chemicals and textiles.
Paper is an outstanding example of an industry in which Bekaert products play
a crucial role. Right after the fi rst tree hits the ground over the pre-treatment of
wood pulp to the printing, bundling and recycling of paper: Bekaert’s presence
spans the entire value chain of the paper industry. We make cable and wefts
for conveyor belts that are used across many industries. Our products are
employed in fi lter media, as well as in fi lter elements and systems for synthetic
fi bers and plastic fi lms. We are also a trendsetter in the glass industry with
our sputter hardware and rotatable targets. Bekaert supplies all manner of
wire-based products to mines the world over and to almost every step in the
value chain. Mining is the starting-point for any natural resource-related process
where value is created.
Non-contact drying
systems for paper &
board industry
Steel cord for conveyor
belts
Ropes for surface mining

28
28
Sustainability is in our DNA
Beliefs and mission
Bekaert believes that, as a company, we derive our strength from the lasting
relationships we forge with our customers, suppliers, and other business partners,
and our clear focus on creating win-win solutions. Our people make the difference.
We believe that the resilience, trust, and integrity they demonstrate in their daily work
generates the power we need to fulfill our mission.
Our mission is:
- To safeguard the future of the company through sustainable profitable growth while
consistently generating adequate returns.
- To be recognized as a world leader in our selected business segments, offering our
customers – as their preferred supplier – innovative and high-quality products and
services.
- To maintain our position as an employer of choice for the best talent by providing
professional growth opportunities and competitive rewards, thereby reflecting the
value we place on global diversity.

29
The world around us, our shared concern
A healthy, safe workplace for our
employees and a concern for the
environment have both long been
intrinsic components of Bekaert’s
strategy of sustainable profitable
growth.
Our staff: of capital
importance
Our over 27 000 highly-qualified
and motivated employees create
the dynamic that characterizes
Bekaert’s international corporate
culture.
For Bekaert, ‘sustainability’ means taking full
responsibility for the impact our operations
have on the environment and on society.
We strive to reduce this impact, and we believe
our people can make the difference.
Lifelong learning
Learning is synonymous with
improvement at Bekaert. We focus
not only on the acquisition of
additional skills, but also on
optimization of our daily work.
By providing training to stimulate
learning and development, Bekaert
is making a long-term investment in
our staff, an investment which does
and will continue to contribute to
the company’s sustainability.
Sharing knowledge
across plants
In cooperation with our
customers and suppliers, specific
products and processes are under
development in our Key Learning
Plants. These plants contribute to
the flawless implementation of new
technology in all our plants
worldwide, and they play a key role
in customer complaint prevention.
Health and safety
Safety has been a key concern at
Bekaert since the company was
founded: it is embedded in our
long tradition of operational
excellence.
Each year, Bekaert organizes
a World Health and Safety Day
to raise safety awareness in all
our plants the world over.
Safety is a key performance
indicator that is carefully
monitored by the Environment,
Health & Safety team.
The environment: reducing
our ecological footprint
We strive to minimize our
environmental impact by using
fewer materials, moderating our
energy consumption, and reducing
waste. These reduction programs
not only protect the environment,
they are also integral to our aim of
operational excellence.
All our personnel are committed to
reducing the ecological footprint of
The safety department within our subsidiary
Prodac in Peru, organized an activity for the
employees’ children. During this session, the
children got acquainted with health and safety
guidelines.
Safety has been a key concern at Bekaert since
the company was founded: it is embedded in
our long tradition of operational excellence.
Sustainability
Based on the company’s beliefs and mission, we defined sustainability as follows:
We acknowledge that our pursuit for sustainable profitable growth must take into consideration the broader
economic, ambient and social impact of our activities. That is why we integrate the interests of customers, staff,
shareholders, communities and other stakeholders into all aspects of our activities.
Bekaert strives for operational excellence in a manner that is friendly to the surroundings, safe, healthy and socially
responsible. Bekaert invests in clean and energy-efficient infrastructure, production processes and products.
Bekaert always complies with local standards and regulations.

30
our products and production
processes. Rational use of raw
materials and energy is a priority.
We seek also to develop products
and services that will contribute to
a cleaner, safer world. Our aim is
not just to respect laws and
regulations, but to anticipate them.
Environmental protection in
our production
Bekaert implements a uniform
environmental, health, and safety
policy worldwide, with the same
procedures and guidelines for all
our offices and plants around the
globe. The standardization we
have achieved in our production
processes and raw materials is a
great advantage because
improvements at one plant can be
easily rolled out to the others.
We also have an internal benchmark
that compares each of our
plants in terms of emissions,
water pollution, and the
consumption of energy, water, and
materials for each end-product.
This international comparison is
part of our Total Environmental
Care management system, which
inspires us to perform better
every day.
Rational use of raw materials
and energy is a priority
The energy consumption involved
in the production of wire and
steel cord is considerable.
By the end of 2010, the combination
of retrofitted energy savings and
energy-saving solutions to new machines
will result in an annual reduction of more
than 200 000G joule thermal and electrical
energy, the equivalent of the average
annual electricity consumption of
15 000 families.
Therefore, our environmental
experts and specialist mechanical
engineers have been investigating
production methods with the
lowest possible CO 2
emissions per
ton. We also invest worldwide in
measures to reduce energy usage.
Every expansion of our plant
infrastructure, machinery,
and process lines is immediately
equipped with the most
up-to-date ‘green’ ideas and
technologies. We save substantial
amounts of energy by
recuperating heat, reducing
friction, improving insulation, and
making our motors more efficient.
REACH compliance
Bekaert actively aspires to achieve
compliance with REACH – the
European standard for the
registration, evaluation, and
authorization of chemical
substances. We have already
determined that we can continue
to offer our current product range
in the future, as the primary and
secondary materials necessary
will remain available. Moreover,
End 2010 Bekaert inaugurated its greenest
steel cord plant worldwide in Shenyang
(China). In this plant the newest technologies
for optimized energy conservation, reduced
environmental impact and enhanced
workspace comfort are combined.
Bekaert invests in energy reduction
programs and in water treatment plants
to reduce the amount of water wasted
and to recycle what is.
We actively consider green energy
for our production sites.

31
a thorough screening of our
end-products has shown that
these do not contain any
substances of very high concern
listed on the candidate list of the
ECHA (European Chemicals
Agency).
The environment as a
motivating force
Caring for the environment is a key
element in Bekaert’s R&D policy.
Many of the products and
processes we develop or optimize
are the result of our quest for
cleaner technology and more
rational energy use.
In Peru Bekaert supports the "Reading to grow" program. By improving teaching methods,
children learn to write & read fluently.
Environmentally-friendly
solutions
• Sintered or welded fibers that
go in diesel particulate filters
filtrate fine particulates that can
be harmful to health.
• Bekaert sawing wire, a
high-tech fine wire, is used
to saw silicon wafers used in
solar panels and other
applications.
Better materials
• The lighter and stronger the
steel cord, the lighter the car or
truck tire and the better its fuel
economy. The latest
development in this field is
our ultra-tensile steel cord.
• Each day, 40 000 square meters
of glass are covered with our
Our window films business in San Diego (U.S.)
obtained in 2010 the Environmental Product
Declaration (EPD), proving that the environmental
impact of making solar control window film is
offset by the positive impact of installing an energy
saving window film, making it carbon-negative.
The natural disasters in Chile and Indonesia in 2010 prompted a wave of sympathy from
Bekaert employees across the world. The funds raised through the Today I work for my
colleagues donation program were used to financially support the affected employees with
the repair and reconstruction of their houses.
window film. It lets the light in
but keeps the sun’s heat out,
significantly helping reduce
energy consumption.
• Bekaert has devised an
environment-friendly
alternative to the toxic lead
or the expensive zinc that are
traditionally used for wheel
balance weights. Our weights,
which are made of steel
profiled wire, offer the same
functionality.
• We have developed wire with
biodegradable polymer coatings
for agricultural uses, including
training plants.
A sense of public
responsibility
We want to be a loyal, responsible
partner to the local communities in
which we operate. We attach
great importance to interacting
with local governments in a
transparent, constructive way.
We are committed to complying
with local legislation and collective
labor agreements. Bekaert is an
adherent to the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights and
the treaties and recommendations
of the International Labor
Organization.
We attach special importance to
learning and, so, we provide
assistance for many educational
projects.
We also support local activities
and projects for social, cultural,
and economic development. For
example, in Latin America we
finance vaccination campaigns for
children and in China we currently
champion a wide range of social
projects.

32
Part of your life
your toaster contains Bekaert
Bekanickel ® wire, guaranteeing
you a safe, reliable cooking
experience.
the concrete structure of your
house is reinforced with Dramix ®
steel fiber and the solar cells on
your roof are produced using
sawing wire and rotatable
sputter targets of Bekaert.
one of every four tires is
reinforced with Bekaert steel
cord. Your cell phone screen is
covered with a Bekaert film and
your GPS housing is made with
Bekaert conductive plastics.
06:30 06:45
07:30
the ATM you withdraw money from
positions your bank card perfectly
thanks to a timing belt reinforced
with Bekaert cables, and its
housing contains Bekaert
conductive plastics to avoid
electro-magnetic interference.
the carpet of the airplane you
fly on resists static with Bekaert
Bekinox ® spun yarns.
the windows at your weekend
break destination protect you
from heat and UV radiation with
a Solar Gard ® window film.
Your apartment may be heated
with a burner equipped with
Bekaert material.

33
the road you take every day is
reinforced with Bekaert Mesh
track ® .
the elevator in your office may
be equipped with (flat belts
reinforced with) Bekaert cables.
your office has flawless
electricity supply thanks to
Bekaert reinforcing wires.
The stationery material you
are using contains Bekaert
bookbinding wire and staples.
08:00 08:30 09:00
the spokes of your bike contain
Bekaert galvanized and high
carbon plastic coated wire and
stainless wire.
the polymer wrap around your
bouquet of flowers was
manufactured with a filter based
on Bekaert porous metal media.
the wire holding the cork of your
champagne bottle is made by
Bekaert. Cheers!

34
34
better together stories

The pavement of the new
Algeciras port terminal
extends well over 40
hectares. Reinforcing such
a large surface area with
conventional steel bar
reinforced concrete would
be a labor intensive task.
By using concrete reinforced
with Dramix ® steel fibers,
the hours of manual labor
are sharply reduced,
which lowers the overall cost
price. More importantly,
the solution provided
by Bekaert significantly
improves the durability of
the terminal pavement.
Antonio Garabatos,
Project Engineer – ALATEC
The Bekaert team was
highly committed, diligent
and knowledgeable and
they have deployed all
the available resources,
including world-class
laboratory facilities, for the
successful completion of
our technology partnership
which will, no doubt, be
highly beneficial to both
parties.
PK Mohamed, Chief Adviser,
Research & Technology,
Apollo Tyres
We experienced Bekaert’s
‘close-to-the-customer’
approach all through the
switchover process: there
was always a Bekaert
employee present when
switching targets to
analyze the interference
between our production
process and the target.
When we had questions
they always responded
immediately. From day 1
after implementation we also
started looking for possible
improvements together. This
project is a co-development
prototype.
Jozef Szlufcik, R&D manager
Photovoltech
Putting better together into practice
What does customer focus mean in everyday practice We’ll tell you about
some product solutions that were the result of fruitful co-development
partnerships. Bekaert and its customers have a long tradition of working in
close collaboration around the world. By becoming part of local economies,
Bekaert learned that particular circumstances require a particular approach.
Our case stories are illustrative of the remarkable successes built on
better together, in very diverse industries.

Imagine what we can
achieve together ...
Would you like to learn more about the solutions we offer
Are you interested in any of our products or services
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We would be delighted
to talk about how we can work together.
www.bekaert.com
www.bekaert.mobi
NV Bekaert SA
President Kennedypark 18
8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
T + 32 56 23 05 11
F + 32 56 23 05 43
Bekaert Corporation
3200 West-Market Street, Suite 303
Akron, Ohio 44333-3326 USA
T +1 330 867 3325
F +1 330 873 3424
Bekaert Corporation
1395 South Marietta Parkway
Building 500, Suite 100
Marietta, Georgia 30067-4440, USA
T +1 770 421 8520
F +1 770 421 8521
Bekaert Management
(Shanghai) Co., Ltd
17F, Block E, Waterfront Place
No. 31, Lane 168, Daduhe Road
200062 Shanghai, China
T +86 21 2219 7000
F +86 21 2219 7399
2011. Responsible editor: Katelijn Bohez