ANNUAL REPORT 2008 - Eckes-Granini Group

10 Business Year 2008
Supply Chain:
Long-term investments in the future
The Eckes-Granini Group made sustained investments
in several different production plants during the past
business year in order to equip these facilities for the
future in the interest of long-term business success.
In keeping with the rigorous focus on brand business
and the decision to sell off the plant in Sarre-Union,
the investment programme for the French facility
in Mâcon included quality assurance and efficiency
enhancement measures focused primarily on branded
products in PET bottles. A comprehensive investment
programme devoted largely to quality assurance and
efficiency enhancement was also initiated at the
Brämhult plant acquired in 2007. This project is scheduled
for completion by the end of 2009. Last but not
least, the third PET filling line in Germany was installed
at the production plant in Bröl in order to meet the
strong demand for products in PET bottles.
Other activities in 2008 included further progress in
the process of centralizing the European purchasing
department initiated in 2007 and further improvements
in quality assurance processes.
Raw material prices, which had already risen substantially
in 2007, remained well above the average of previous
years in 2008. Raw material prices also remained
highly volatile throughout the year.
Human Resources:
Thinking globally, acting locally
In the spirit of the “Leadership in Change” concept
initiated and implemented in 2006, the International
Leadership Programme (ILP) was continued as an
established, ongoing programme for Group management
personnel during the past year. Important
aspects included open dialogue and consistent efforts
in support of networking and integration, particularly
of new employees, within the Eckes-Granini Group.
The goal of the programme is to create a common
culture of leadership while taking cultural differences
into account.
The International Development Programme (IDP) was
added to the portfolio of personnel development tools
in 2008. Conceived specifically for the Eckes-Granini
Group, the IDP is designed for selected employees
who hold key positions in different departments
within the various national organizations and are
thus effectively networked. These individuals serve as
multipliers in support of the realization of Vision 2010,
with a strong focus on entrepreneurship and leadership.
Consequently, cooperative action and effective
communication – within national organizations and
especially across national boundaries – are key aspects
of the training programme. Emphasis is placed on
the application of learning to participants’ day-to-day
work and the contribution every participant can make
to realization of Vision 2010 in his or her own area
of responsibility.