AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG Amriswilerstrasse 50

We are part of
Division Heating Technology
and Sanitary Equipment H e a t i n g Te c h n o l o g y
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Division Surface Technology
Logistics
AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG
Amriswilerstrasse 50 · P.O. Box 134
CH-9320 Arbon
T +41 71 447 41 41 · F +41 71 447 45 88
info.holding@afg.ch · www.afg.ch
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A reference object for the whole of Switzerland
AFG Corporate Center in Arbon, Thurgau

2 | AFG Corporate Center
Contents
AFG – Trading with a view to the future 3
Zone plan amendment and project plan 4
Built on a solid foundation 5
Success through swift cooperation 7
The future made of glass and steel 10
Systematic heating and ventilation 11
EgoKiefer with innovative XL ® window technology 13
Aesthetics and Transparency 16
High quality doors to meet high demands 18
Priceless and timelessly beautiful 20
Miele Kitchens geared to social cooking 21
The «Trend» in modern kitchens 22
Chrome polished furniture fills your office with light 24
Paradise was a garden too 26
Farewell and new beginnings 27
AFG yesterday, today and tomorrow 28
Thanks to our partners 30

AFG – Trading with a view
to the future
Dr. Edgar Oehler:
His vision marked the
beginning.
Today’s decisions need to be taken
with a view to the future. This was
our approach in planning the future
of AFG. Stepping up our innovative capacity
and level of internationalization, compliance
with our guidelines on sales growth
and improving our earning power while at
the same time paying heed to the environmental
soundness of our products and the
creation of employment opportunities are
key aspects of our business activity.
Achieving these strategic goals requires
organisational adjustments, in terms of
staff as well as business space. Our focus
was thus on centralizing the numerous
premises scattered around the AFG headquarters
domiciled in Arbon (Thurgau
region, Switzerland), which were not only
too small but also outdated. At the same
time, with a view to our development over
the coming years, the relocation of our
SHAPING THE FUTURE WITH A VISION
factories situated on the banks of Lake
Constance were also part of our contemplations.
To this end, some seven hectares
of land on the outskirts of Arbon were
purchased and rezoned. The new AFG
Corporate Center was built on this property.
Apart from being the site for new
constructions, existing factory facilities
will be relocated to this estate in a step
by step process.
We had our construction requirements
clearly defi ned: spacious, modern, transparent,
featuring state-of-the-art technology,
an expression of our faith in the future
and our commitment to Arbon and Eastern
Switzerland as our domicile, testimony of
our creative capacity, equipped with up to
date work places, built and furnished economically
and largely with AFG proprietary
products. It was an active partnership
between industry and the construction
sector that enabled us to achieve these
goals. Some 250 work places were completed
and ready for us to use only 16
months after the ground breaking ceremony.
Shining by day and brightly lit at
night, the AFG Corporate Center is the
luminous symbol of our AFG culture, our
entrepreneurship and cooperation with
authorities, carried by the commitment
of all those involved. It is thanks to their
1 business with a vision
6,200 highly motivated
employees
effort that both we as today’s generation
and the generations to come are able to
conduct regionally molded executive tasks
on a global level, promoting the worldwide
expansion of our group.
Through this overview of the AFG Corporate
Center, we are proud to give the
general public an insight into its development
and construction and to present
our new work places. ■
AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG
Chairman of the Board of Directors
and CEO
Dr. Edgar Oehler
AFG Corporate Center | 3

Zone plan amendment and project plan
An amendment to the zone plan was necessary since the properties in
question were part of the agricultural zone. The intended building size and the
possible development of the adjoining area also required a project plan plan.
The zone plan amendment reduced
the area of the agricultural zone by
73,500 m 2 . This in fact interfered
with the planning principle laid down in
the Swiss Cantonal Sturcture Plan (KRP).
This principle stipulates that a balance between
zones is generally to be strived for.
The Arbon city council however has guaranteed
spatial compensation in line with
the local structure plan which is anyway
undergoing review. The zone plan amendment
can be justifi ed on the grounds that
the area in question is classifi ed by the
KRP as one of the canton’s key business
areas for industry and trade. In the key
business areas specifi ed by the KRP, suffi -
cient areas of land ready for building
and suitable for industry and trade must
be provided. On 24 th February 2006, the
Department of Building and the Environment
thus approved the zone plan amendment
issued by the Arbon city council and
endorsed by the city parliament.
Diverging from standard constructions
As afore said, a project plan (PP) is needed
to regulate the construction of large-scale
commercial buildings and their development.
The special focus here is on a smooth
integration of structures and minimum
obstruction to adjoining residential buildings.
Our project plan (PP) made it possible
for us to diverge from the standard construction
which for instance stipulates a
maximum building height of only 12 m
for industrial estates. Our drafts complied
with the planning and building code
requirements and were thus approved. ■
Hans Peter Ruprecht
Former district president
Former head of the Department of Building
and the Environment of the Thurgau canton
4 | AFG Corporate Center
A NEW BUILDING ZONE FOR OUR VISION
The AFG Corporate Center with its impressive architecture,
an eye-catcher in an area that used to offer nothing but green grass.
It took no more than a few months for the plans announced by
Dr. Oehler during the ground breaking ceremony to be realized.
24 th February 2006:
Zone plan amendment approved by
Arbon city parliament.

Effi cient:
just 16 months from
ground breaking
to completion.
A SYMBOL OF ECONOMIC AWAKENING
Built on a
solid foundation
It all began with a simple idea: we wanted to see the economic awakening
of AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG clad in a suitably progressive attire. This vision
was to guide our buisness into the new millenium.
Our search for 15,000 square meters
of land and a further 45,000
square meters (for further development)
was soon rewarded. We immediately
found the area in Steineloh, Thurgau,
to be a very convenient location, but it
was divided among a number of different
owners and nobody knew whether the
separate properties where even available
for purchase. For obvious reasons, all aspects
needed to be clarifi ed simultaneously
and in strictest confi dentiality: negotiating
land prices, rural land rights etc. At the
same time, we had to draw up a feasability
study as basis for a possible rezoning and
project plan.
Committed to the future
This initial phase was concluded within a
year, with land purchase contracts, rezoning
and project plan wrapped up by spring
2006. Apart from the planners, the authorities
on canton and local level contributed
to our project with remarkable commitment.
The then head of the canton Thurgau’s
building department and former
district president Hans Peter Ruprecht and
his colleagues including Dr. Claudius Graf-
Schelling (district councillor) in cooperation
with the entire district council of the
Thurgau canton gave us their full support
to maintain the AFG site in Arbon. The
city representatives, then spearheaded by
vice head of the council Veronika Merz,
were all committed to making the project
a success.
Time used effi ciently
By 4 th July 2006, we held the written building
permit in our hands. With entrepreneur
Dr. Oehler as the building sponsor, it came
as no surprise that the construction work
started promptly. Construction commencement
was celebrated on 11 th July in adequate
style, but without helmet and shovel.
P. 6
AFG Corporate Center | 5

This computer vision, designed for the planning permission
application, soon became reality.
Planning with foresight
and reacting fl exibly
Our plans comprised two basement levels,
one spacious fi rst fl oor and four upper
fl oors, room for some 250 employees and
200 underground car parking slots. From
the outset, the building sponsor had a
very clear concept: the surrounding area
was not to be spoiled by a vast parking
lot. An extra basement level comprising
100 parking slots and the required technical
facilities thus came as a last-minute
addition to the plan. In retrospect, this
proved to be one of the most important
decisions initated by the building sponsor.
In summer 2006, when the excavation of
the site had started, the idea of integrating
the company canteen «Arboneria»
was approved. This comprised 150 seats
plus infrastructure. The time left for the
restaurant planner to act was short.
6 | AFG Corporate Center
A SYMBOL OF ECONOMIC AWAKENING
However, the planner and his entire team
rose to this challenge and delivered excellent
results, showing once again that
com petence and discipline can bring outstanding
achievements. This input and
these bids were in fact the basis for the
subsequent awarding of the general
con tractor’s contract. Following many
negotiations and a successful bidding
process, the general contractor was
appointed in August 2006. The contract
was awarded to Karl Steiner AG.
Compliments and thanks
The success of every business depends on
committed individuals and their willingness
to assume responsibility. Our thanks
and compliments go out to Thomas
Hüberli, head of the St.Gallen subsidiary,
project manager Remo Fässler and construction
site manager Roman Kuster,
who was at times supported by four
other site managers, of Karl Steiner AG.
Their outstanding work was much appreciated.
The planning team was still spearheaded
by Dr. Edgar Oehler. The project
got off to a good start, based also on the
excellent cooperation between the general
contractor, the planners, craftsmen and
the sponsor throughout the entire construction
period. Without this commitment,
it would have been impossible to
hand over the facilities in December 2007,
after a construction period of only one
and a half years. ■
Christian Meng, Gisel + Partner AG
info@giselpartner.ch, www.giselpartner.ch,
T +41 71 446 17 11

Success through swift cooperation
With a very tight schedule, high-standard design and numerous special requirements,
the construction of the AFG Corporate Center was a challenge to all those involved.
It was mastered successfully thanks to their excellent cooperation.
The commencement of the construction
itself was based on an impressive
achievement. Within only two weeks,
the entire building site installation, inlcuding
three crane systems, was organized
and set up. Owing to the good cooperation
between the structural and civil engineering
units, the works progressed rapidly
despite having to deal with an extremely
hard foundation soil. With the shell set up
after only six and a half months, the AFG
Corporate Center had reached its full
height.
Impressive achievements
The realization of the complex HVAC
system required the utmost precision and
involved many conceptual changes, causing
progress slow down slighty to a more
moderate rate. This meant redoubling
efforts with regard to coordination and
project management in the fi nal construc-
Excellent
coordination and
project management.
HISTORY OF A COMPLEX CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
tion period, pushing everyone to their
limits. The following six months turned
out to be a logistical challenge.
As a result of the very short preparatory
planning phase, many project changes
had to be realized during the construction
period, while the high-standard design
and the large number of parties involved
in the project meant that numerous problems
regarding their interaction needed
solving.
During this phase, adhereing to the scheduled
delivery date often seemed inconceivable.
But once more, the task was
tackled successfully. Following a smooth
and well-organized move, all departments
had shifted into the AFG Corporate Center
and taken up work by Christmas. This,
however, did not mean that it was now
time to sit back and relax.
Work on the high-standard outdoor
facilities including fountains with special
coatings, extensive natural stone applications
and plants had to be concluded
by the end of February 2008, since the
offi cial opening was scheduled for 28 th /
29 th February 2008.
As a token of gratitude for everyone’s
commitment and to celebrate the successful
move, Dr. Oehler invited contractors
and planners to dine at the recently completed
«Arboneria», the AFG Corporate
Center’s staff restaurant.
Turning setbacks into new impetus
Experience shows that every complex
construction project knows its setbacks.
We were thus not surprised to fi nd that
some things weren’t running smoothly.
During the building site installation with
the master builder, a change in the ventilation
concept called for the integration
of a comprehensive shaft system below
the base plate of the offi ce building’s third
basement level. This had to be planned
and implemented prior to the construction
of the fi rst base plate, making the start
phase a diffi cult one.
While working on shell installations,
various HVAC parameters and standards
were changed, requiring additional coordination
efforts with an occasionally criti cal
effect on our adherence to schedule.
P. 8
900 t of reinforcing steel
12,000 m 3 of concrete
1 topping-out beam
AFG Corporate Center | 7

However, one of the most severe setbacks
and at the same time biggest challenges
was hitting an artesian aquifer while deepdrilling
for the fi rst geothermal probe.
Aquifers of this type are confi ned under
pressure and will spurt out in a fountain
when the upper confi ning layer is perforated.
A new concept had to be drawn up
on the spot, since our drilling depth was
now limited by the shallowness of the
pressurized water, multiplying the number
of geothermal probes needed. The drilling
fi eld had to be enlarged dramatically,
which posed a slight problem in that it still
had to comply with the stipulated limits.
Moreover, the heat pump was delivered
with a delay of several months. A mobile
heating system thus had to be set up.
Eventually, however, even this problem
was solved, with a fl awless heat generation
system now in place.
12,000 m 2 of wall boarding
20,000 m 2 of ceiling boarding
320,000 kg of Vals quartzite
8 | AFG Corporate Center
HISTORY OF A COMPLEX CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
A highlight of state-of-the-art
technolgy
The AFG Corporate Center was equipped
according to premier quality standards,
utilizing nothing but top-quality materials
and products. All our contractors thus had
to rise to the challenge of delivering exclusive
quality within a very tight time frame.
Apart from the outstanding quality of
products and materials, certain architectural
highlights that contribute to the AFG
Corporate Center’s unique appeal certainly
deserve to be mentioned. Among them
is the theme of water and light which
takes center stage in both the external
and interior design, as well as the special
energy generation system and the building
control system:
State-of-the-art
technology and hightest
quality standards.
Water
Three well units set the stage for the presentation
of the water theme. The «Süd»
fountain, a true highlight of modern technology,
is in fact the biggest one to be
found in Switzerland ever since the Expo
fair. The interaction of water and light requires
a very complex control mechanism.
The theme of water is also taken up in
the interior. A giant water wall, again a
huge technological challenge, animates
the customer lobby on the fi rst fl oor.
Light
Naturally, the true meaning of light design
is revealed when it growns dark and you
fi nd the whole area bathed in an almost
magic light. Countless LED lamps integrated
into siding panels, ceilings and water
basins illuminate the buildings in a shining
blue light.
Geothermal heat
Another special technical feature of the
AFG Corporate Center certainly is its
energy supply, based exclusively on generation
through geothermal heat. The system
is connected to a heat pump with a
peak generation of 196 kW for cooling
and 366 kW for heating.
Technology
The MSRL technology employed for measuring,
controlling, adjusting and system
management is another one of our highlights.
The AFG Corporate Center’s energy
effi ciency is secured by a Siemens building
control system and constant heat recovery.
The intelligent HVAC control system has an
interesting side effect regarding the the
slat curtains: depending on the position of
the slats, the letters AFG can be «written»
on the north facade. ■
Thomas Hüberli, Karl Steiner AG
contact@steiner.ch, www.steiner.ch,
T +41 71 314 61 00
The lobby – invitingly elegant
glass and steel design.

Construction and project management timeline
■ May 2006
General contractor bid solicitation: AFG invites general and
main contractor Karl Steiner AG and other general contractors
to submit bids.
■ 23 rd June 2006
Submission of general contractor bids:
Negotiations and awarding process.
■ Mid-July 2006
Start of excavation, spearheaded by architects Gisel & Partner
AG, Arbon.
■ 14 th September 2006
Contract between building sponsor and Karl Steiner AG
signed.
■ 19 th September 2006
First crane erected, perfect cooperation between general contractor
and master builder, ARGE Stutz AG/Bressan Baut AG.
■ 16 th Oktober 2006
Laying of the foundation stone in the presence of district
president Hans Peter Ruprecht and representatives of the
municipalities of Arbon and Roggwil, heads of the council
Martin Klöti (Arbon) and Werner Minder (Roggwil).
■ 4 th May 2007
Topping-out ceremony: Shell erected in only six
and a half months.
■ May – September 2007
Shell installations, HVAC, facade.
■ September – November 2007
Finishing work and completion.
■ 16 th November 2007
Final acceptance and fi rst phase of move into
new offi ce building.
■ 19 th December 2007
Shift to new location concluded.
«Completing the construction in such a short
period of time was a logistical challenge.»
Thomas Hüberli, Karl Steiner AG
■ 21 st December 2007
Celebration of completed building project, meal at
the recently completed «Arboneria», the AFG Corporate
Center’s staff restaurant.
■ December 2007 – February 2008
Finishing touches, outdoor area design.
■ 28 th /29 th February 2008
Offi cial opening of the AFG Corporate Center
in the presence of guests.
AFG Corporate Center | 9

The future made of glass and steel
The new AFG Corporate Center comprises offi ces with some 250 work places,
a conference room, the restaurant «Arboneria», a bistro and various meeting, training and
exhibition rooms. A vast parking garage is located in the three-leveled basement.
Most of the building’s impressive
exterior consists of a transparent
glass front. Built to satisfy
exigent requirements regarding interior
climate, HVAC installations were chosen
to match the highest standards. The AFG
Corporate Center thus is a new building
equipped with cutting-edge technology.
An energy concept based on a
high level of engineering
The HVAC systems were planned by Hälg
Engineering. This demanding task was
based on an energy concept for heating
and cooling designed to realize an optimal
10 | AFG Corporate Center
ECONOMICAL AND ECOLOGICAL ENERGY GENERATION
energy generation regarding effi ciency as
well as economical aspects and ecological
soundness. Cold and heat are generated
using a monovalent reversible heat pump
which picks up heat from the ground
through geothermal probes to distribute it
in the building. A separate cooling system
with free cooling mode was installed for
EDP cooling.
Progressive HVAC technology
Heating and cooling of rooms is effected
via ventilation, ceiling cooling and fl oor
convector systems as necessary. Offi ce
rooms are air conditioned via hygiene
The AFG Corporate Center –
a new building equipped with
cutting-edge technolgy.
Efficient energy generation that is economical
and at the same time ecologically sound.
ventilation units with fresh air cooling systems.
The remaining rooms are equipped
with separate air conditioners. The complex
HVAC facilities are controlled and
adjusted via a building control system. ■
Bruno Mannhart, Hälg + Co. AG
haelg@haelg.ch, www.haelg.ch, T +41 71 243 38 38

Systematic heating and ventilation
Arbonia’s Ascotherm underfl oor convectors offer an unobtrusive and intelligent
solution for a perfectly comfortable indoor climate – an innovative air conditioning system
that combines aesthetic appeal and top-grade functionality.
Especially with large window fronts
and glass doors, the convectors
create ideal temperature and air
conditions while preventing unpleasant
cold air currents. At the same time, they
can serve as powerful primary heating
units and provide rapid supplementary
heating. Owing to their sophisticated
construction, the convectors can at the
same time act as smart ventilation systems.
Furthermore, the units are impressively
variable thanks to their low height,
Like other office spaces, the light-flooded board room
is equipped with an innovative air conditioning system.
INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY FOR AN OPTIMAL INDOOR CLIMATE
performance range and the natural or
forced convection options via a thermostatic
and speed-controllable ventilator.
Arbonia underfl oor convectors allow
extreme fl exiblity of application, making
them a convincing solution both in terms
of technology and aesthetic appeal for
full freedom of design.
Arbotherm – light and lucid
With its clear vertical structure and light
transparency, Arbotherm by Arbonia is
predestined for unusual architectural
heating solutions. Vertical fl at tubes positioned
in a slat arrangement are connected
to round horizontal manifolds through
a tried-and-tested resistance welding process.
Short response times and an ideal
radiation to convection ratio help to create
a comfortable and well-balanced indoor
climate. In case a higher heating capacity
is required, a double-layered Arbotherm
version can be supplied. P. 12
AFG Corporate Center | 11

Coneoline by Prolux:
fl at front heaters
Straightforward design, fl at fronts, high
heating capacity and fl exibility are the
characteristic features of the Coneoline
indoor heating series by Prolux. Top-qua lity
processing and an elegant fi nish make
Prolux Coneoline a highlight among modern
heating units. A look at its proportions
and dimensions reveals its extreme adaptability.
In any dimension and version, the
Prolux Coneoline series with its plane
front side, the delicate allround radii and
top-quality processing without any visible
weld seams is an unobtrusive source
comfort in any exclusive environment. ■
Arbonia AG
verkauf@arbonia.ch, www.arbonia.ch,
T +41 71 447 47 47
Kermi GmbH
info@kermi.de, www.kermi.de,
T +49 9931 501 0
Heizkörper Prolux AG
verkauf@prolux-ag.ch, www.prolux-ag.ch,
T +41 71 447 48 48
Ascotherm
underfl oor convectors
for optimal ambient
conditions.
12 | AFG Corporate Center
INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY FOR AN OPTIMAL INDOOR CLIMATE
Comfortable well-balanced temperature
and humidity throughout the building.
251 steps
62,000 m 3 building contents
1 heating system

EgoKiefer with innovative
XL ® window technology
EgoKiefer XL ® windows are available in large-area dimensions including
module systems up to fl oor height, without size affecting statics and stability
under wind load or the rigidity of the glass panel below, making them the
perfect choice for the AFG Corporate Center.
EgoKiefer window technology for up to 15% more light.
MORE LIGHT, LESS HEAT LOSS
EgoKiefer XL ® windows are made of
exclusive EgoKiefer EgoVerre ® highperformance
insulating glass. This
improves thermal insulation, thus reducing
heating energy consumption dramatically.
The new EgoVerre ® Top triple-pane glazing
has an absolutely sensational thermal
insulation capacity of Ug 0.4 W/m 2 K.
A true record! The insulation glazing
EgoVerre ® is glued directly into the sash
during XL ® window manufacture, using
a gluing technology tried-and-tested in
aircraft construction. EgoKiefer is the
fi rst manufacturer of windows and doors
to ever put this technology to an industrial
use.
New dimensions in facade design
The EgoKiefer window technology XL ®
also opens up new opportunities with
regard to attractive facade design: when
mounted, the glass glued directly onto
the casement makes for extremely narrow
profi le views and a bigger window area
as well as a completely new facade look,
which adds to the attractivity of the AFG
AFG Corporate Center | 13

Corporate Center building. Furthermore,
the intelligent EgoKiefer XL ® window
systems can be complemented with a wide
range of combinable module components
for purposes of security, noise protection,
ventilation, automation and design.
For in stance, the wood/aluminium Ego-
Kiefer XL ® windows in the AFG Corporate
Cen ter’s basement and fi rst fl oor have
been equipped with a surveillance system.
EgoKiefer XL ® systems are available in plastic,
wood/aluminium and now also in
plastic/aluminium. All EgoKiefer XL ® systems
are certifi ed to the high MINERGIE
standards and are perfectly suited for
MINERGIE-P and passive house applications.
4,500 window framing rails
2,000 m 2 of glass facade
550 m 2 of fire-resistant glass
14 | AFG Corporate Center
MORE LIGHT, LESS HEAT LOSS
Elegance in color – the new EgoKiefer
plastic/aluminium window XL ®
We consider the facade to be the «face»
of a house. The AFG Corporate Center is
a prime example of this. A very high level
of aesthetic appeal, variability and uniqueness
of the individual modules is required.
The choice of windows has a fundamental
impact on the appearance of a facade.
The new EgoKiefer plastic/aluminium XL ®
opens up new and strikingly different perspectives
for customers seeking to realize
colorful and creative facade designs. You
can choose from virtually all RAL- or NCS
range colors – even the darkest ones. The
excellent energy effi ciency of EgoKiefer
XL ® window systems is another outstanding
feature. Combined with the exclusive
EgoKiefer EgoVerre ® 0.4 high-performance
glazing, energy consumption via the window
is reduced by up to 75%, depending
on the type of window to be replaced.
Environmental benefi t
A recent ecological survey carried out by
the research institute Empa domiciled in
Dübendorf, Switzerland, showed that
EgoKiefer window systems are indeed
highly benefi cial to the environment.
The amount of energy saved in the course
of the window’s long useful life clearly
surpasses the energy consumed for their
production and disposal. EgoKiefer windows
therefore are in fact a source of energy.
Empa found the new XL ® technology
to be especially environmentally friendly.
For all window systems, the scope of the
positive assessment is determined by the
glass ratio. It therefore comes as no surprise
that the new XL ® technology has
taken the lead. With a glass ratio that
is signfi cantly higher than that of other
systems, its narrow side-face view and
the low heat transition coeffi cient, this
system naturally scored highest. ■
EgoKiefer AG
zentrale@egokiefer.ch, www.egokiefer.ch,
T +41 71 757 33 33

Perfect lighting conditions by day and by night.
More light, more heat, less energy consumption:
EgoKiefer window systems offer a convincing solution
to all your technological and aesthetic requirements.
EgoKiefer is the fi rst manufacturer
of windows and doors to ever put a
gluing technology developed for aircraft
construction to an industrial use.
AFG Corporate Center | 15

Stainless steel profi le systems are ideal
in fi ligree-looking glass architecture
and for all aspects of security. Its
static material properties make it suitable
for very slim-line profi le geometries. In
various parts of the AFG Corporate Center
building the following profi le systems
have been used:
Entrance Area
Automatic sliding doors have been constructed
using the newly developed Forster
unico profi le system which convey the feeling
of a modern and spaciously designed
entrance area to the visitor.
Forum/Conference Room
The Forster thermfi x light post/bar sys -
tem has been used for the exterior glass
façade which also uses Forster unico lift/
slide elements.
16 | AFG Corporate Center
ELEGANT STAINLESS STEEL PROFILE SYSTEMS
Aesthetics and Transparency
Stainless steel, a fascinating material, renowned for its long life and robustness,
setting its own high standards, both architecturally and ecologically.
Lounge
The polygonal glass front on the south
side (facing the street) is built of Forster
thermfi x light elements and exhibits an
impressive height of nearly 6.7 m. The
emergency exit doors integrated into the
side of the glass front are constructed
from the Forster unico system.
Arboneria
Forster thermfi x vario EI60 fi re-resistant
partitions with integrated automatic EI30
sliding doors in the Forster fuego light system.
The doors have an opening of 2.5 m
which means they can cope with a rush
of people.
Automatic E130 sliding fi re doors guarantee
the highest levels of safety for entering
the underground car park while at
the same time being simple to operate.
Coded badges are also used to activate
these doors.
Façade
The impressive north front and the rounded
façade (towers) are built entirely from
stainless steel Forster unico window elements.
This material and the streamline
width of the windows result in a harmonic
overall picture.
Top Floor
The exterior façade uses the Forster
thermfi x light post/bar system with integrated
Forster unico lift/slide elements.
The strong stability means element constructions
as high as the room are possible.
The sliding parts are 2.6 m high and
have fi ttings with a load-bearing capacity
of up to 400 kg.
Stairwell Glass Construction
To guarantee the safety of the emergency
exits, the stairwell partitions must comply
with high levels of fi re protection.

Stainless steel profile systems have an
important role in the overall effect.
The elements are from the Forster thermfi
x vario post/bar system EI30/EI60 with
integrated Forster fuego light system
fi re-resistant rotating doors.
Safety throughout the whole building
A large number of Forster stainless system
elements fulfi ll additional safety functions.
Fire-resistant doors and screening protect
people and property. All emergency exits
ensure escape in case of emergency and
protection against intruders. Here too the
material exhibits excellent characteristics
which are not immediately apparent –
such as security.
Tried and Tested Systems
Forster develops and produces high
quality profi le systems for a very wide
range of uses:
■ Thermally separated doors and windows
■ Façades and glass ceilings
■ Thermally non-separated doors and
windows
■ Fire and smoke-resistant partitions
■ Intruder-resistant doors and windows
Forster Building Profi le Systems:
the winning solution for doors, windows
and façades in steel and stainless steel.
Forster Systems in the
AFG Corporate Center
Forster unico is the totally new, warminsulated
profi le system with fi ttings and
accessories for one and two-winged doors,
and for windows and glass construction
in exterior areas. The basic profi le is made
of 100% recyclable steel and does not
contain plastic insulators, unlike conventionally
insulated systems. This innovative
framework style is unique and meets the
highest functional requirements both
technically and in terms of structural
properties.
Forster thermfi x light means insulation
systems can be installed in commercially
available steel and aluminum profi les
as well as wooden sub-constructions.
The system is simple and quick to use,
making it very viable in economical terms.
Forster thermfi x vario Fire Protection is the
comprehensive program for self-supporting
fi re protection construction using post/
bar profi les and can always be used for
Forster Façade Profiles:
6,100 m of unico profile
2,500 m of thermfix vario
vertical elements (façades) as well as interior
and exterior partitions in fi re resistant
classes EI30/EI60/EI90/E30/EW60.
Forster fuego light is the fi rst system for
stainless steel fi re protection doors and
partitions. Its narrow appearance is impressive
and the fi re protection doors and
screens EI30/EI60/EI90 have been tested
and accredited. The slim-line profi le results
in window frames/wings only 130 mm
wide. ■
Forster Pipeline & Profi le Technology AG
info@forster-profi le.ch, www.forster-profi le.ch,
T +41 71 447 43 43
AFG Corporate Center | 17

High quality doors to meet high demands
The visiting card to a building is its door. RWD Schlatter AG has installed a wide variety
of the most modern doors in the AFG Corporate Center, ranging from the simple offi ce door
in a partition system, to fi re protection doors and intruder-resistant server room doors.
High quality doors not only provide you security but also offer you Italian design.
18 | AFG Corporate Center
AESTHETICS AND SAFETY
Doors are essential in any building as
they create a feeling of well-being,
and provide comfort and intimacy.
They separate and connect worlds, defi ne
limits, protect and are a symbol of who
you are. Doors are exits, entrances and
gateways. Doors create space. Every door
that leaves RWD Schlatter AG, a company
based in Roggwil, Switzerland, has been
made to individual requirements. The
doors in the AFG Corporate Center are
also customized solutions.
Emergency Exits in the Forum
Beside fi re protection, easy access to
emergency exits is also required in large
interior spaces. In order to ensure the
aesthetical aspects were not neglected,

Dorma ITS GSR 96 integrated door closers
were chosen. The double doors use a control
system to control the order in which
the doors close. A retaining magnet keeps
them open. A panic function has been
installed in the form of a panic rod with
push activation for both the closed and
open halves of the double doors. A connection
to the fi re alarm system ensures
all doors are automatically shut in the
event of fi re.
Automatic Fire Protection Sliding Doors
There are fi re protection sliding doors in
various rooms which are part of an auto-
Each door is a technical masterpiece.
matic system. Radar monitoring means
the doors don’t have to be touched to
open or close them. In addition the doors
are connected to the fi re alarm system
and close automatically in the event of fi re.
Server room doors for the highest
levels of security
Server rooms are considered to be amongst
the most important rooms in the whole
building. Which is why Protect 4 ® was
installed there. It provides class FB4 ballistic
protection according to EN 1523 and
class 4 protection against burglary ac cording
to EN 1527-1530. This corresponds
Highest quality doors –
secure and aesthetically pleasing
without compromises.
to the highest level of security currently
available in Europe for wooden door
elements. In addition, only workers wearing
correctly coded badges are granted
entry into the server room (electronic
monitoring).
Aesthetics without Compromises
In rooms of exemplary importance, the
doors have a highly appealing antiquestyle
gloss fi nish and the frames are of
highly polished chrome steel. As a fi nal
touch, the door handle is from the exclusive
Italian designer, Luigi Colani. ■
RWD Schlatter AG
info@rwdschlatter.ch, www.rwdschlatter.ch,
T +41 71 454 63 00
AFG Corporate Center | 19

Priceless and timelessly beautiful
Between the end of October and the middle of November 2007 a total of four
Forster mini-kitchens were installed in the AFG Corporate Center. They are for staff
to make refreshments. There is also an outside kitchen which is weather-resistant,
thanks to the Inox Line of chrome steel kitchens.
The structured stainless steel surfaces
of the Forster Inox Line are an example
of timeless and priceless kitchen
design which integrate harmoniously into
any architectural style. The structured
surfaces are manufactured to the highest
professional standards and enhance the
atmosphere of the entire kitchen. Stainless
steel can be combined with other high
quality materials such as wood, stone and
glass, or can be used on its own. Thanks
to its elegant and timeless style, the Inox
Precise and timeless style,
resistant surfaces, the smallest
detail made with care.
«Trattoria Luca», a stage
for the new trend
in Social Cooking.
20 | AFG Corporate Center
Line of kitchens fi t harmoniously into any
room, giving it a distinctive fl air, while at
the same time not being over-powering.
The Inox Line is not only impressive because
of its design.
The structured surface means it is particularly
resistant, hygienic and easy to clean,
thereby offering all the benefi ts of a professional
steel restaurant kitchen. Forster
Kitchens also provide mobile coffee and
tea-making facilities for refreshments in
conferences rooms. ■
Forster Kitchen and Cooling Technology AG
forster-kuechen@afg.ch, www.forster-kuechen.ch,
T +41 71 447 46 45
WHEN COOKING BECOMES A PLEASURE AND FUN

Optical and Technical Perfection.
Forster Kitchens are in a class of
their own.
For us, our worldwide unique steel kitchens
signify both tradition and the future.
We have created our own class of kitchen
which offers even the most demanding
home cook all the benefi ts of a professional
steel restaurant kitchen. For Forster,
the kitchen is per se the communal living
area in which many emotional experiences
take place. This is why we designed this
area using our vast experience, ability and
passion. Forster Kitchens are committed
to a design culture which is infl uenced by
formal and timeless clarity and recognized
style. We provide our customers with
kitchens which will retain their value.
Our kitchens exude a timeless and straightforward
charm which allows them to be
effortlessly integrated into the architecture
of the remaining living area.
Miele Kitchens geared for Social Cooking
The Miele kitchen in the AFG Corporate Center demonstrates new standards of living for
demanding people: more homeliness, fascinating devices and extravagant lighting effects,
as well as sensible use of available space.
The workshop «kitchen» becomes
center stage for the new trend in
Social Cooking – small talk, gossip,
fun and relaxation. Designed as an «active
kitchen», the Miele kitchen is the place
where both the professional and home
cook can enjoy their creativity to the full.
An open design encourages a smooth
transition between kitchen and conference
areas: a perfect combination of kitchen
design and quality of living.
FORSTER KITCHENS IN HARMONY WITH EVERY ROOM
An overall sense of harmony
An intelligent mix of cream high gloss
lacquer and Tineo real wood veneer conveys
an overall feeling of harmony. Tineo
real wood kitchen units create a warm
atmosphere. Despite the granite worktops,
the overall effect in the kitchen is one of
lightness. Thanks to the contour profi les
of the panels, coverings and fronts.
Handleless drawers, electronically controlled
pull-outs and lighting lines below
the worktop reinforce this impression.
The «Moodlight» effect, a typical Miele
effect, submerges the room in a unique
light. Changing colors and remotely
con- trolled dimming of the LEDs create
a unique atmosphere. A generously
equipped kitchen island comprises a hob
with induction wok and teppan yaki. To
summarize: a real kitchen experience! ■
Warendorfer Kitchens (Switzerland) AG
miele-kuechen@afg.ch, www.miele-kuechen.com,
T +41 71 447 42 50
AFG Corporate Center | 21

The «Trend» in modern kitchens
Modern and stylish, that is how Bruno Piatti AG, the leading kitchen design company in Switzerland,
presents itself in the new AFG Corporate Center. It was clear to both client and the interior designer
that the «Trend» model was the one best suited to the innovative architecture.
«Trend» with distinct and elegant contours.
22 | AFG Corporate Center
PIATTI IN THE TREND OF MODERN KITCHENS
The Piatti subsidiary in St Gallen was
responsible for planning and carrying
out this project. In total two kitchens
were installed, one of which has an integrated
seating area.

The kitchen design integrates perfectly into the overall concept.
High quality and robust
The high quality aluminum-look with the
extra-white glass back planes is guaranteed
to impress. A particularly exclusive
look is provided by Vals granite, a material
also used for the fl oor. Other highlights
include Eisinger sinks, upper level coffee
machines, induction glass ceramic hob
and food centers. The appliances are well-
Lighting Design is not only a concept for kitchens;
it can also be used in most other rooms of a new building.
known brands such as Electrolux, V-Zug
and Gaggenau. Drawers and fronts are
Bluemotion design, a technique which
allows smooth opening and closing. The
lighting has been optimized so that the
kitchens to literally present themselves
in their best light. With the illuminated
drawers and the built-in lights of the
upper kitchen units with opaque glass
Lighting Design for
a sensuous atmosphere.
fronts, controlled centrally by the AFG
in-house technology system, the «Trend»
kitchen conveys a homely and inviting
atmosphere. ■
Bruno Piatti AG
info@piatti.ch, www.piatti.ch, T +41 44 835 51 11
AFG Corporate Center | 23

4,600 m 2 office space
230 work places
746 chairs
24 | AFG Corporate Center
PRECISION STEEL TUBES FOR BRIGHTNESS IN ALL YOUR ROOMS
Chrome polished furniture
fills your office with light
Forster Precision Steel Tubes is the market leader of high quality
direct chrome-plated tubes for furniture. They are sold under the
market name of WBKV or Swiss Gloss.
The tubes are made from high quality
cold rolled steel and have such a
smooth and perfect surface, they
can be chrome-plated directly without
any preparatory work, such as milling
or polishing. The result is fl awlessly polished
tubes. They are used for chair legs
or frames (of swing chairs), table legs or
sub-frames, and in offi ce furniture for
example as the supporting element in
the world famous USM Haller system.
The hard-wearing and robust chrome surface
ensures an almost infi nite life time.
Timeless beauty establishes itself
These high quality criteria were the reason
why important Forster customers were
asked to present their high quality products
for consideration during the construction
of the AFG Corporate Center. A number
of rooms in the new building have been
fi tted with furniture from Forster custom-

ers in order to show our solidarity with
them, to show pride in our high quality
tubes and simply for the enjoyment of
beautiful timeless furniture.
The fi ling cabinets are mainly from USM,
together with some of the tables. The remainder
of the tables have been provided
by Lista Offi ce and are for the offi ces.
The tables in the «Arboneria» are from
Hiller Objektmöbel. Most of the chairs
are from Sedus Stoll, Vitra and Girsberger.
High-gloss chrome –
exemplary precision steel tubes
for exemplary buildings.
In terms of quality, longevity and design,
the furniture is 100% compatible with the
criteria used to build the AFG Corporate
Center. ■
Forster Pipeline & Profi le Technology AG
info@forster-rohre.ch, www.forster-rohre.ch,
T +41 71 447 44 44
Timeless beauty using
high quality products.
AFG Corporate Center | 25

Paradise was a garden too
All gardens are different but they have one thing in common:
they refl ect the house they belong to, they welcome the visitor
and pave the way to hospitality.
A garden is an open space. It connects
the outside world to the inside world and
the inside world to the outside world.
The surroundings of the AFG Corporate
Center have been designed by Peter
Weber, a landscape gardener and architect,
whose aim was to inspire a sense of expansiveness
both for the people working
at the Center and for those passing by.
Following the client’s instructions, the
garden has been designed generously but
not pretentiously.
Respect and Care
This generosity is evident in the choice
of materials and plants. The constructed
parts such as the fountain, the forecourt
and all of the walls have been built using
specially selected natural stone from the
Vals valley. The highly professional craftsmen
have shown respect for stones used
26 | AFG Corporate Center
LANDSCAPE GARDENING AND ARCHITECTURE
which are at least 50 million years old
and weight in total about 100 tons in
the outside area.
A fountain with a symbolic character
Special importance was attached to building
the fountain. The client wanted it
to portray longevity, creativity, strength,
ambition, effervescence and inspiration
in order to refl ect the character of the
company.
Implementing this idea was an interesting
and demanding challenge for both the
planners and the craftsmen involved in
this unique project.
These were not only landscape architects,
normal architects and programmers but
also construction, civil, electrical, water
and hydraulic engineers. Thanks to this
thorough and mutual planning, it was
subsequently possible for bricklayers,
Garden plants are a symbol
of the steadfastness of
AFG Corporate Center employees.
natural stone workers, tilers, electricians,
hygienists, plumbers and gardeners to
successfully contribute their part to the
construction of the fountain.
Firmly anchored in the future
During the intensive planning and execution
phases of the garden we were often
visited by the client who expressed his
enthusiasm for the chosen colors and the
different planting schemes. It was a wish
of the client that the garden should fl ower
from spring to late fall. After all, there
exists an analogy between the garden
and AFG Corporate Center employees:
only fi rm-rooted plants can bloom, which
means they can also withstand inclement
weather such rain, storm and wind. ■
Peter Weber Landscape Gardener and Architect
p.weber@bluewin.ch, T +41 71 288 40 35

Farewell and new beginnings
Relocating a company from A to B is a top logistical and objective
challenge. In our case the project was managed by «Witzig The Offi ce
Company» (WTOC).
This enormous undertaking required everything to be collected
from the various sites and offi ces, sorted and then delivered to
the AFG Corporate Center. The company moved into one story
of the building each week. Here a summary of a typical week:
■ Saturday, 10 th November 2007
Starting pistol for the move: the AS 400 server relocates
from Romanshorn Street to the AFG Corporate Center.
■ Wednesday, 14 th November 2007
Delivery and distribution of the packing boxes and material.
■ Friday, 23 rd November 2007
Second stage of move begins: the IT department in
Romanshorn Street relocates.
■ Friday, 20 th November 2007
Third stage: human resources and accounting departments
in Zelg Street relocate.
■ Friday, 7 th December 2007
Fourth stage: Forster Profi le Systems offi ces in Romanshorn
Street relocate.
THE DIARY OF A COMPANY RELOCATION
■ Friday, 14 th December 2007
Start of fi fth stage: the general secretary, the CFO, Group
Controlling (Romanshorn Street), Arbonia (Industry Street)
and Archives relocate.
■ Wednesday, 19 th December 2007
Sixth stage: Dr. Edgar Oehler, Chairman of the Board
of Directors and CEO, relocates.
■ Vehicle transportation 116 hours
■ Human assistance 610 hours
Hans Friedli, Witzig The Offi ce Company
info@witzig.ch, www.witzig.ch, T +41 52 724 92 47
500 packing boxes
35 helpers
230 computers
AFG Corporate Center | 27

Yesterday...
The origins of AFG date back to 1874,
when F. J. Forster started a coppersmith’s
workshop in the old town of Arbon.
In 1908 a new building was erected in
Romanshorn Street in Arbon. In the winter
of 2007/2008 a number of AFG employees
were relocated from this old building
to the AFG Corporate Center.
100 years after they were fi rst occupied,
2008/2009 will see the buildings in Zelg
Street and Romanshorn Street knocked
down. In 1904 the fi rst oven top parts
were built, in 1915 the fi rst steel pipe
radiators and in 1930 the fi rst profi le steel
pipes. The takeovers by Arbonia (1958)
and Forster (1973) created the basis for
the new company name of the Arbonia
Forster Group in 1974 The origins of this
28 | AFG Corporate Center
A LOOK TO THE FUTURE
AFG yesterday,
today and tomorrow
The history of AFG is a long and successful one. What began in 1874 as a
coppersmith’s workshop in the small town of Arbon, is today one of the most
prominent companies in Switzerland with over 6,200 employees worldwide.
industrial group is even more unusual because
for decades the company founder,
Jakob Züllig, (deceased 1999) and his
wife, Trudi Züllig-Grauer, owned and ran
the Arbon town butcher’s shop. They
made a major contribution to the economical
development of the region, a region
which is still fl ourishing today.
With the planned stock market fl otation
in mind, 1987 saw the founding of the
AFG Arbonia Forster Holding AG. However
the fl otation had to be postponed following
the crash of the stock market in the
fall of 1987. The fl otation fi nally took place
though in the fall of 1988 when the AFG
was quoted on the Swiss stock market,
SWX. The company began to expand more
and more. Following the political turnaround
and fall of the Iron Curtain, a large
piece of land was acquired in 1991 in the
town of Riesa, Saxony (near Dresden) on
which the German subsidiary of AFG,
Arbonia-Forster Riesa GmbH, established
its headquarters. The company opened
further subsidiaries in a number of European
countries with the aim of increasing
exports. With the two divisions, Heating
Technology and Sanitary Equipment and
Steel Technology, the market was consolidated
by 2004.
Today...
Five years after Jakob Züllig died, in 2003,
the joint heirs sold their majority share to
Dr. Edgar Oehler. This led the way for the
second phase of the AFG expansion. In
the last 4 years the company’s turnover
has more than doubled. In addition to

AFG Arbonia Forster Holding AG worldwide production sites
the production sites in Switzerland,
Germany and the Czech Republic, new
sites were built in 2003 in France, USA,
Great Britain, Slovakia and China. Today
AFG has 18 production sites and comprises
50 companies with representation in
approximately 70 countries. It employs
more than 6,200 workers. The fi nancial
year 2008 is expected to see a turnover of
around 1.6 billion Swiss franc. The two
original AFG divisions have in the meantime
been restructured into fi ve divisions.
Tomorrow...
AFG intends to carry on expanding. Beside
the domestic markets in Switzerland and
Germany which account for 70% of turnover
(2007), AFG is working hard on new
markets in USA, the new EU states, East-
ern Europe, South East Asia and China.
In 2008 AFG already employed some
1,500 workers in Eastern Europe. It is AFG’s
goal to strengthen its domestic markets in
Switzerland and Germany, and to rebalance
the domestic markets and the new
markets so they have a 50/50 share in
turnover. In order to achieve this, the
target for 2008 has been set at a 2 billion
Swiss franc turnover. ■
Dr. Edgar Oehler
USA
Watervliet
England
Wednesbury
Germany
Plattling
Riesa
Sternenfels-Diefenbach
Warendorf
Czech Republic
Strˇíbro
Switzerland
Altstätten
Arbon
Dietlikon
Roggwil
Steinach
Villeneuve
France
Arudy
Oloron
Slovakia
Pravenec
China
Changshu
The AFG Corporate
Center is a symbol of
the company’s future.
AFG Corporate Center | 29

Thanks to our partners
Without the active and competent support of all our partners in the planning, building, interior
design, HVAC, house installation, logistics, relocation and landscaping, the AFG Corporate Center
would never have turned out to be the success it is. Thank you very much to all of you!
Planning
General
contractor
30 | AFG Corporate Center
Building, HVAC
Interior design
SUCCESS THROUGH PERFECT TEAMWORK
ROGGWIL • ARBON • TÜBACH
www.HEugster.ch
ISOLATIONEN AG

Furnishing, Appliances
DANIEL DÖRIG
Polsterwerkstatt Vorhangatelier
Reparaturen Bettwaren
186 top-class partners
16 months building
1 company
AFG Suppliers
H e a t i n g Te c h n o l o g y
H e a t i n g Te c h n o l o g y a n d
S a n i t a r y E q u i p m e n t
H e a t i n g Te c h n o l o g y
Landscaping
K i t c h e n s
H e a t i n g Te c h n o l o g y D o o r s
W i n d o w s a n d D o o r s
K i t c h e n s Precision Steel Tubes
R e f r i g e r a t i o n
ERNST KAST AG
Drainage
Profile Systems
AFG Corporate Center | 31