Sustainability Report
46Pages

based on the specifications and guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)

Swiss Association for Quality and Management Systems (SQS) Validation of Sustainability Reports Validation by SQS The 2012 Sustainability Report of Girsberger Holding ltd. was audited by SQS. The non-financial information in the report was examined by means of evidence and a sample-based audit was performed on site. In particular, SQS checked whether • the report addresses all essential aspects relevant to reporting about sustainability; • the data collection is appropriate and reliable; • the statements in the report are understandable and accurate and agree with the collected data; and •...

2012 Sustainability Report (certified companies) 8 The sustainability of our business practices 28 Product life cycle

Values and success For a long time, it appeared that price was the most important criterion when it came to selecting furniture. Today, however, we are seeing a return to quality and durability. Many customers again prefer high-quality, locally manufactured products to low-cost imports. While medium-sized companies don’t exactly own the world, they do have extensive creative freedom of design and a surprising level of influence because they provide a significant number of jobs. As a result, mid-scale entrepreneurs have the ability to shape the values of several hundred employees and their...

we will pursue it. As a matter of course this involves an interdisciplinary process in which drawings, models and prototypes are developed. This does not always produce a quantum leap, but a glance at our product range clearly shows our commitment to innovation. More than just a product It is often due to their strong ideals that the business strategies and products of mid-sized companies are successful and persuasive. Their aim is not just to reduce the manufacturing and product costs. They are more interested in imbuing their goods with their values. Living values constitute the identity...

Girsberger Holding AG, parent company of the Girsberger Group, Bützberg/Switzerland

The sustainability of our business practices Competitive pressure in the office furniture industry is increasing steadily. Pressure on prices is mounting, and more and more manufacturers are outsourcing their products or parts of them to low-wage countries. Given these circumstances, how will the Girsberger Group hold its ground on the international market in future? Office seating remains our core business and the Office division is our greatest source of revenue. Accordingly, we will continue to strive to be a leading supplier in this area. At the same time we have to buffer the financial...

Our wood trade supplies carpentry businesses and other manufacturers with high-quality timber. The advantage for our customers is the rapid delivery of the desired quality of timber which is ready for processing. They do not need to worry about storing and drying the timber, which ties up capital. With Zoom by Mobimex we reach the most discerning customers at the apex of our top market segment in the home and commercial areas. This is only possible with a completely independent brand. If it were to lose its independence, much of its aura of exclusive luxury would inevitably be lost. With...

Objectives and measures The following list shows the extent to which the objectives set for the end of 2012 were achieved and sets out the measures/ objectives for the period to 2014. •Objective achieved / •Objective partly achieved / •Objective not achieved Objective by 2012 Achievement and explanation of objective •Achieved, cash flow of 7.9% in 2012 •Not achieved, turnover growth of 1.1% in 2012 •The survey was conducted in autumn 2012 - tructured customer survey in writing S •Objective achieved •Objective not achieved This objective still applies Company Cash flow of 5.3% Turnover...

Achievement and explanation of objective •Objective partially achieved This objective still applies •Objective achieved Reduce domestic waste in Bützberg by 50% through Resources and raw materials Optimum utilization of wood, leather and fabric through monitoring the volume of waste Increase the proportion of reusable waste by 10% at both Bützberg and Endingen waste separation Raise the proportion of recyclable waste to 75% of the total volume in Endingen Environmental protection/Energy and emissions Keep consumption at 2010 level with the same output •Objective achieved Direct energy...

This overview does not include the figures of the non-certified companies (see explanation on page 8) * The financial ratios are based on the revised annual balance sheet under commercial law (PricewaterhouseCoopers)

We continuously strive to develop, manufacture and sell products that are impeccable in terms of quality and ecological and ethical aspects with high long-term value to the customer in a way that is responsible and yet profitable. Taken from Girsberger’s corporate policy

Business development According to Chief Economist Klaus Wellershoff, Switzerland’s industry has been in a recession for the last six quarters. The Girsberger Group has managed to successfully withstand this downward trend. While revenues for the entire Girsberger Group grew by 4.4% in 2011 compared to the previous year, the Group still achieved year-on-year growth of 1.5% in 2012. One of the causes of the current economic situation is still the exchange rate between the Swiss franc and the Euro. This resulted in a drop in turnover in the consolidation but had a positive effect on expenses....

achieved a revenue increase of 36% over the previous year. In the German market, a specialist sales representative will help to further expand the Customized Furniture division with immediate effect. The cash flow from operating activities by the certified companies was 6.7% in 2011 and rose to 7.9% in 2012. It is therefore clearly above the objective of 5.3%. This helped to further strengthen our liquidity and thus also our independence. In the 2013 and 2014 financial years we aim to achieve 3% increases in revenue each year and a cash flow of 8%. We fulfilled all of our financial...