2009 - Jaarverslag

However well designed our internal risk management and controlsystems are, they can never provide absolute certainty that objectivesin the field of strategy, operation, reporting and compliance with lawsand rules will always be achieved. In taking decisions we are awarethat:◾ Human errors of judgement may arise;◾ Cost-benefit assessments must constantly be made when takingon risks and taking control measures;◾ Human failings and even simple errors or mistakes can have majorconsequences;◾ Conspiracies by officials can lead to circumvention of internalcontrol measures;◾ The management of parts of the company can permanently ortemporarily negate agreements made with the Executive Board.This statement should not be interpreted as being a statement inaccordance with the requirements of section 404 of the SarbanesOxley Act in the United States, which does not apply to Royal Ten Cate.HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENTHUMAN RESOURCES POLICYIn 2009, our human resources activities were concentrated on thestreamlining of the organisation. This included aligning the globalproduction capacity of the various groups with the changed marketdemand. The development of skills and improved employeeperformance remained an important focus of attention in this process.At the end of 2009, TenCate employed 3,805 people in more thanthirteen countries on three continents. Our employees play animportant role in the successful implementation of TenCate’s strategy.The HR policy remains focused on the identification and developmentof talent, the development of leadership qualities and thestrengthening of behaviour that fits in with the core values of ourcorporate culture: innovative capability, a focus on results,entrepreneurship, trust and co-operation.Own employees Year end 2009 Year end 2008(in number of staff years)Netherlands 862 931Rest of Europe 569 612United States 1,314 1,573Asia/Australia 777 936Middle East 283 385Total 3,805 4,437ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENTOur market leadership role requires strong leadership and a clearorganisational structure which can be adjusted rapidly and flexibly tochanging market conditions. During the reporting year we had todevote attention to such flexibility within the organisation. That led toFootball on synthetic turf in Singapore harbourIn Singapore, over 27,000 spectators can watch football matches on a floating platform in Marina Bay. The synthetic pitch ismade from TenCate Tapeslide XT synthetic turf fibres, which are known for their exceptional wear resistance and durability.The floating platform is the biggest of its kind in the world and measures 120 by 83 metres. Until recently, this was the stage forevents like the National Day Parade. The new synthetic turf carpet is 116 metres long and 71 metres wide, in line with FIFA’srequirements. It also means the platform is suitable for international matches.Annual Report 2009 67