Annual Report 2009 - Von Roll

6 StrategyPortfolio optimisation and expansion as a growth driverA business portfolio geared towards attractive future markets is the crucial precondition for increasingthe value of the Von Roll Group for the benefit of shareholders. Von Roll focuses on marketswith above-average growth and profit potential. In these markets, Von Roll is extending itsposition by means of targeted acquisitions. This process primarily involves portfolio optimisations,i.e. the strengthening of the existing business segments Von Roll Insulation, Von Roll Compositesand Von Roll Transformers by means of targeted acquisitions.In addition, growth is generated by means of targeted acquisitions of companies in related growthmarkets and of providers of key technologies. The focus is on those sectors, which play an increasinglyimportant role in the wake of climate change, rising energy costs and limited resources.These include, for example, the supply of scarce resources such as energy and water as well ashigh-tech components to support various industries. When selecting industries, we focus on thosein which Von Roll can effectively deploy its strengths such as the management of complex valueadded chains.Operational excellence programme 2010Von Roll’s aim with operational excellence is to reinforce customer-focus, innovation and competitiveness,to open up new markets and to improve efficiency and margins. For 2010, the focus is onthe following starting points:» Increase in sales: Strengthening of customer focus, expansion of key account management andfocus on growth markets such as wind energy, solar energy and ballistic protection.» Quality and processes: Increasing productivity and the quality standards, as well as global exchangeof expertise and best practice.» Streamlined, flexible organisation: Optimisation of the network of production locations and continualadjustment of production to the demand structure, measures to expand the gross and EBITmargin.» Working capital: Improvement of working capital management, in particular of receivables management.Corporate culture as a foundationClearly defined company values form the basis for the actions of the employees of the Von RollGroup. The central corporate value is integrity, by which we mean maintaining respectful relationswith each other as well as clients, suppliers and business partners. Our employees are required toobserve the legal and ethical conditions and demonstrate loyalty to the company at all times. VonRoll’s system of values also includes a focus on customers and innovation, strong leadership andteam work.The corporate culture based on these values ensures that employees focus both on the interestsof the customer, as well as on the company’s results. This has proved extraordinarily important duringthe recession. At the same time, the corporate culture ensures a professional and motivatingwork environment, which in turn is a requirement for retaining the best talent for the company. VonRoll has implemented various measures to anchor and constantly foster the common value systemthroughout the company.