AWB Limited - 2003 Annual Report

our people and systems
People
AWB employs over 2,500 people (including 1,950 at Landmark),
based in offices in Australia and around the world. AWB is
committed to positioning itself as an employer of choice, and
regards engagement of staff as critical to meeting the company’s
objectives. AWB has continued to develop its talent and succession
management framework to ensure the business has the leadership
strength to achieve its long term strategic objectives.
A new operating structure for the company was implemented in
order to meet AWB’s credit rating objectives. As part of this
process, all employees were asked to transfer across to a new
subsidiary, AWB Services Limited, with no change to their
entitlements, benefits and terms and conditions. All staff agreed to
the transfer on 1 October 2003.
During the year, AWB installed a revised Safety Management
System, involving implementation of an occupational health and
safety Environmental Risk Register to help track risk information
and company risk profile at an overall and divisional level.
AWB also successfully negotiated the simplification of an award for
non-executive employees, providing the company with a simple and
reliable platform for the management of employment terms and
conditions, and help position itself as an employer of choice.
Under its structured Employee Ownership Plan, AWB made an
offer of shares to staff in December 2002, which was well received
and accepted by a high percentage of employees. In all, more than
85% of AWB employees (excluding Landmark employees) now
own shares in the company by participating in one or more of AWB
share offers, fostering a high level of staff investment and
ownership in the company.
Systems
AWB has continued to focus on system development, and the
improvement of internal work practices and procedures. Leveraging
off last year’s successful introduction of the new SAP Enterprise
Management System, AWB now has the ability to process larger
information volumes, with better position management and
inventory controls.
AWB has specifically focussed on the development of systems to
meet continually evolving corporate governance requirements. It
has established a central management system for corporate
governance, ensuring AWB continues to meet, and stay abreast of,
all industry compliance standards.
The company has also invested in a significant upgrade of its
website. The new site, still located at www.awb.com.au went live in
October 2003, offering improved functionality to growers and
customers, and building a platform for further development and
enhancement in the future.
Substantial increase in rural and regional presence, by numbers…
…by region
Number of Employees
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Number of Employees
0
2000 2001 2002 2003 NSW/ACT VIC QLD WA SA NT TAS OS
1000
800
600
400
200
2003
2002
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