Annual Report 2012 Full version PDF Download - Bekaert

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21 Technology & Innovation Bekaert Annual Report 2012 Technology & Innovation Innovation matters, more than ever Developing better together… Optimizing production processes and equipment with Bekaert Engineering Transforming steel wire and applying coating technologies are our core business. To strengthen our technological leadership in these competences, research and development is a key process. Our R&D activities are aimed to create value for our customers with new products and applications, as well as with innovative production processes that limit environmental impact and offer reliable solutions at competitive prices. We team up with customers and suppliers around the globe to develop, implement, upgrade and protect both current and future technologies.
22 Innovation matters, more than ever Bekaert Annual Report 2012 Innovation matters, more than ever In response to rapid and significant structural changes in solar energy markets, Bekaert realigned its sawing wire manufacturing platform in 2012. The company also adjusted its development resources and priorities accordingly. Notwithstanding the downsizing of technology investments for solar applications, innovation remains a key pillar in Bekaert’s strategy to achieve sustainable profitable growth. In 2012 we therefore invested substantially in developing new products and improving production processes. We expanded our portfolio of Dramix® fibers for concrete reinforcement with new steel fibers. The existing product portfolio was re-branded as the 3D series. The addition of the new steel fibers in the 4D and 5D series takes concrete reinforcement to the next performance class: previously unknown levels of anchorage, tensile strength and ductility guarantee the best possible solution for an ever wider range of applications. Furthermore, we developed a new type of split hooks, consisting of high quality steel wire covered with our Bezinal® 2000 coating, for the construction industry. Superior corrosion resistance, as well as an improved thermal protection result in a much longer life cycle. Our ropes activities in Canada also continued to expand their product portfolio. Wire Rope Industries Ltd is a technological leader in a large variety of applications, among which the mining ropes. Cushion Ultra ropes were developed to serve the mining industry’s dragline equipment. This new, plastic-enhanced rope ensures a long service life and reduced equipment maintenance. Steel cord reinforced plastics combine excellent energy-absorption and structural-integrity characteristics with low manufacturing complexity and cost. The automotive application opportunities of these crash resistant, weight reduced components include bumper beams and bodyinwhite parts . In 2012 we invested in state-of-the art equipment and further product innovation in high precision wedge wires. These triangular shaped steel wires are used to produce wedge screens and filters. Thanks to their high precision tolerance and mechanical stability, these complex wires can be integrated in fine filtration processes for oil & gas as well as for drinking water. The higher demand for energy, along with the gradual depletion of energy reserves and the increased complexity of energy distribution, stimulate Bekaert to continuously increase the technical capabilities and coating quality of its wire solutions for energy extraction and transmission. We launched two new products tailored specifically to short staple and needle punch carding applications for textile equipment: Bekaert CTS wires and EvoStep ® . Cushion Ultra dragline ropes at work. The new EU tire labeling regulation poses opportunities as well as challenges for tire makers. Our new generation tire cord types, such as the ultra-tensile range, provide increased strength. This allows our customers to produce tires with a lower weight and lower rolling resistance, thereby increasing fuel efficiency and the respective performance ranking of tire models. Bekaert, BASF and voestalpine Plastics Solutions continued to co-develop thermoplastic components reinforced with steel cord. This hybrid material has promising applications for the automotive industry, as it improves collision performance and reduces weight. Our Bekaert nickel titanium super elastic wires are an innovation for dental and medical applications such as surgical tools, guide wires, medical devices, dental files, etc. Protecting our intellectual property As a technology leader, we make significant strides in protecting our intellectual property, both for new and for improved technologies and for processes, products and equipment. In 2012, we filed 50 new patent applications, a record-high for Bekaert.
Page 1 and 2: Annual report 2012
Page 3 and 4: 25 sustainability 26 Our responsibi
Page 5 and 6: 2 Message from the Chairman and the
Page 7 and 8: 4 Board of Directors Bekaert Annual
Page 9 and 10: 6 Bekaert Group Executive Bekaert A
Page 11 and 12: 8 Our Strategy Bekaert Annual Repor
Page 13 and 14: 10 Our Strategy Bekaert Annual Repo
Page 15 and 16: 12 Industry offerings Agriculture B
Page 17 and 18: 14 EMEA Bekaert Annual Report 2012
Page 19 and 20: 16 North America Bekaert Annual Rep
Page 21 and 22: 18 Latin America Bekaert Annual Rep
Page 23: 20 Asia Pacific Bekaert Annual Repo
Page 27 and 28: 24 Optimizing production processes
Page 29 and 30: 26 Our responsibility in the workpl
Page 31 and 32: 28 Our responsibility in the commun
Page 33 and 34: 30 Report of the Board Bekaert Annu
Page 35 and 36: Keyfigurespersegment SalesEMEA Sale
Page 37 and 38: 32 Summary of financial review Beka
Page 39 and 40: 34 Board of Directors & Committees
Page 41 and 42: 36 Board of Directors & Committees
Page 43 and 44: 38 Executive Management Bekaert Ann
Page 45 and 46: 40 Remuneration Report Bekaert Annu
Page 47 and 48: 42 Remuneration Report Bekaert Annu
Page 49 and 50: 44 Shares and shareholders Bekaert
Page 51 and 52: 46 Shares and shareholders Bekaert
Page 53 and 54: 48 Conduct Policies Bekaert Annual
Page 55 and 56: 50 Internal control and risk manage
Page 57 and 58: 52 Elements pertinent to a take-ove
Page 59 and 60: 54 References Bekaert Annual Report
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NV Bekaert SA President Kennedypark
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