Besix activity
report 2019
Message
Read moreWe are confident in our group’s ability to overcome the challenges that this crisis imposes. In addition to our employees, we can rely on our clear strategy, our sense of entrepreneurship, as well as our financial health and operational expertise.
RIK VANDENBERGHE
CEO of BESIX Group
See the full message
We have always been curious to experiment, to dare and to be innovative; often having the courage to do what no one else had ever done before us. The year 2019 again provides multiple examples, as evidenced in this Activity Report.
JOHAN BEERLANDT
Chairman of the Board of Directors BESIX Group
See the full messageMessage from the CEO of BESIX Group
Dear Readers,
In 2019, BESIX Group and its entities began, continued or completed hundreds of construction projects, on five continents. The multiple achievements presented in the pages of this Activity Report are representative examples of them. The Group’s 14,000 employees have once again demonstrated their talent, passion and intelligence, showing to our clients and partners the reliability of our group and the excellence which is our main purpose. I would like to congratulate them and thank them with all my heart.
More than ever, BESIX Group will need their qualities and their dedication in the months to come. In March 2020, many worksites were halted or slowed down due to the coronavirus pandemic which has spread around the world. Our first priority has been the health of our employees, their families and their respective communities, as well as actively participating in the various initiatives taken by the states in which we are present.
The second priority is the actions we are taking inside BESIX Group in order to pass through the difficult economic conditions that will follow this pandemic. Inevitably, the financial results for 2020 will suffer.
We are nonetheless confident in our group’s ability to overcome the difficulties and challenges that this crisis imposes. In addition to its employees, BESIX Group can rely on its clear strategy, its sense of entrepreneurship, as well as its financial health and operational expertise.
After four consecutive years of growth, BESIX Group closed 2019 with a record turnover of €3.3 billion and an order book of €4.8 billion, also a record. On the other hand, the consolidated net profit, at €42.2 million, is significantly lower than was forecast. Our net cash position is increasing again and our solvency ratio has been above the industry average for many years.
This financial solidity, combined with the first-rate expertise we have developed in recent years in future-oriented sectors, will help us to face the upcoming headwinds.
This forward-looking approach is demonstrated by the cutting-edge infrastructures – road, marine, airport and rail, as well as water and waste treatment – built by BESIX Group in 2019, some of which we also designed and financed, and for which we will provide operations and maintenance for decades.
This year we have also designed, built and developed high-quality buildings of various types, housing and offices in particular, as well as sports and logistics facilities. To these achievements we must also add the many specialist trades in the group’s subsidiaries, some of which contributed significantly to our result.
The pages of this activity report give a clear overview of our achievements both in our core business, that is to say construction, and in our two other major activities, real estate development and concessions. Real estate development continues to perform well with record turnover in 2019, while the concessions activity has achieved good results, particularly in the Middle East.
We hope you enjoy discovering them through the following chapters.
Another specificity that makes our group stands out in the sector, is our internal Engineering department. It is also thanks to these in-house experts that we are able, today, to meet the expectations of our clients, offering them unique Value Engineering solutions and undertaking projects of unprecedented scale and complexity.
BESIX Group’s investments in innovation are also starting to bear fruit. In 2019, we started our 3D concrete printing activities, experimented with promising new technologies on our sites, and achieved strong performance in terms of sustainability and circularity, especially in the building sector. We have constructed energy-neutral infrastructure and a new generation smart building, to which are added several promising research programmes in which we participate.
Our strong operational skills coupled to our decade-long investment in new knowledge constitute a pledge of the future. Even if it will be difficult, BESIX Group is today equipped to overcome the economic consequences of the coronavirus crisis, and then to continue to grow. We will achieve this by retaining, at the centre of our actions, the values of our group – excellence, passion, unity, co-creation and respect – and by being faithful to our purpose: «Excel in creating sustainable solutions for a better world.»
Thank you for your interest in BESIX Group and in the extraordinary projects that we are carrying out in collaboration with our clients and many partners.
Happy reading,
RIK VANDENBERGHE
CEO of BESIX Group
Message from the Chairman of BESIX Group
Dear Readers,
In 2019, BESIX Group celebrated its 110th anniversary.
During these eleven decades, BESIX and its entities have provided Europe, and in particular the Benelux, with state-of-the-art buildings and infrastructure. Many a time we have stood at the forefront of progress in our business sectors. In the Middle East, through our subsidiary Six Construct, we have been actively contributing to the spectacular development of the Arabian Peninsula, as early as 1965, when only few companies were keen on venturing in this region of the world. From Australia to Africa, we have built the reputation and quality brand of BESIX and its subsidiaries.
We have always been curious to experiment, to dare and to be innovative; often having the courage to do what no one else had ever done before us. The world’s tallest skyscraper, harbours or quay walls in hardly-accessible remote locations, a stadium within a limited schedule like never done before. Finally, in all circumstances, we have made sure that our projects are responding to the expectations of our clients. The year 2019 again provides multiple examples, as evidenced in this Activity Report.
Throughout its history, BESIX Group has experienced many crises, economic troubles and wars. The strength of BESIX has always been, not only to overcome them, but above all to transform them into opportunities. For instance, today we are recognised worldwide as one of the most performant companies in the maritime sector. BESIX acquired this expertise immediately after World War I, by committing to rebuild Belgium’s ruined canals and locks, to build new ones and carry out the largest infrastructure projects in the country.
The same goes for the period from World War II to the first Gulf War, and from the economic crisis of 1929 to the one of 2008. BESIX Group has always bounced back.
Again, at the start of 2020, we have entered a new time of crisis. Its origin this time is public health-related and it will undoubtedly have deep economic consequences. The coming months will be challenging and for BESIX it will certainly be no exception. However, the Board of Directors and I remain confident. Because if there has been one constant in the history of BESIX Group, it is that of having always employed the most talented, intelligent staff and workers, who are always keen to take up the challenge and explore new paths. It is they who, over the decades, have enabled our group to dare and excel. In 2020, from senior management to workers, BESIX Group can count on the best and I have tremendous confidence in them. Together, we will not only survive this crisis, but will transform it, I am convinced, into new opportunities.
JOHAN BEERLANDT
Chairman of the Board of Directors BESIX Group
Milestones 2019
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January
See all January milestonesDMCC awards Uptown Dubai Super Tall Tower Construction Contract to Six Construct. The 339 metre-high, 78-storey will provide breath-taking views of Dubai’s waterfront and iconic skyline.
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February
See all February milestonesBESIX Nederland colleagues move into their new ‘smart’ headquarters in Dordrecht (The Netherlands). Thanks to the interconnection of energy, telecommunication, technology and other systems, this smart building can connect mass of data and draw useful conclusions.
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March
BESIX anchors itself in the future with the French pavilion for Expo Dubai 2020. The “Pavillon France” is a 5,100m2 futuristic work designed around the theme of light.
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May
See all May milestonesThe Refuse-Derived Fuel Facility in Umm Al Quwain (UAE) reaches financial close. This plant will treat 1,000 tonnes of municipal waste per day and convert it into RDF.
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June
See all June milestonesBESIX is awarded the Rail Baltica Central Station project, including the design and construction of the Riga passenger station, the railway bridge over the Daugava river and the railway embankments.
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July
BESIX installs first Clean Air Panels on a pilot project basis along a service road used for the construction of the future N434, a road infrastructure project of the Province of South Holland in The Netherlands.
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August
See all August milestonesBESIX wins LNG berth marine structure project in Kitimat, British Columbia (Canada). Works include the construction of a 500-meter-long quay wall, an LNG platform and all associated mooring and berthing structures.
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September
See all September milestonesInauguration of the Crown Princess Mary´s Bridge over the Roskilde Fjord in Denmark, completed three months ahead of schedule.
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October
See all October milestonesBESIX and NDI GROUP are awarded the contract to build a shipping channel through the Vistula Spit peninsula, in Poland. Works include breakwaters, quays, a channel, lock infrastructure with rotating bridges and sluice gates, buildings and roads, as well as an artificial island.
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November
See all November milestonesBESIX opens its first A-STAY hotel, located in Antwerp (Belgium).
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December
BESIX RED delivers the new global headquarters of FERRERO International Agribusiness Group, right next to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg international airport.
January 2019
BESIX Foundation celebrates its 10th anniversary. The foundation, created on the occasion of BESIX’s 100th anniversary, supports associations active in countries where the group operates.
DMCC awards Uptown Dubai Super Tall Tower Construction Contract to Six Construct. The 339 metre high, 78-storey will provide breath-taking views of Dubai’s waterfront and iconic skyline.
BESIX delivers towing facilities at Port Hedland (Australia). The project includes the installation of mooring pontoons, cyclone moorings, access walkways and services for the new harbour tugs that will service the Capesize vessels shipping iron ore from Port Hedland.
February 2019
Official opening of the 3rd chamber of the Princess Beatrix lock in Nieuwegein (The Netherlands) by HRH Princess Beatrix.
BESIX is awarded the construction of the Belgian Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai, a reference in the field of eco-design. Under the theme “Smart & Green Belgium 2050”, the Pavilion has the shape of a green arch, combining the latest intelligent technologies and technical techniques.
BESIX Nederland colleagues move into their new ‘smart’ headquarters in Dordrecht (The Netherlands). Thanks to the interconnection of energy, telecommunication, technology and other systems, this smart building can connect mass of data and draw useful conclusions.
March 2019
BESIX anchors itself in the future with the French pavilion for Expo Dubai 2020. The “Pavillon France” is a 5,100m2 futuristic work designed around the theme of light.
April 2019
BESIX’s 3D concrete Printing Lab opens in Dubai (UAE).
The Global Safety Time-out gathers participants from BESIX sites all over the world.
May 2019
The Refuse Derived Fuel Facility in Umm Al Quwain (UAE) reaches financial close. This plant will treat 1,000 tonnes of municipal waste per day and convert it into RDF.
Al Janoub Stadium, formerly known as Al Wakrah Stadium, hosts first football game and welcomes a staggering 40,000 spectators for the Emir Cup Final.
BESIX builds a new logistics platform at Brussels Airport, including warehouses, offices, loading/unloading areas and a covered car park.
June 2019
BESIX is awarded the Rail Baltica Central Station project, including the design and construction of the Riga passenger station, the railway bridge over the Daugava river and the railway embankments.
Completion of the Jebel Ali Sewage Treatment Plant in Dubai (UAE), the largest STP project BESIX ever embarked on. It will ensure that all of Dubai’s sewage is treated up to international standards and without environmental nuisance.
The Berliner Philharmoniker inaugurates the concert hall of the Gotthard Hotel and Residences, which was built by BESIX in Andermatt (Switzerland).
July 2019
BESIX installs first Clean Air Panels on a pilot project basis along a service road used for the construction of the future N434, a road infrastructure project of the Province of South Holland in The Netherlands.
August 2019
BESIX wins LNG berth marine structure project in Kitimat, British Columbia (Canada). Works include the construction of a 500-meter-long quay wall, an LNG platform and all associated mooring and berthing structures.
Launch of LN24, the 24/7 French-speaking news channel in Belgium.
September 2019
Start of the construction of a new 1,071 meter quay wall by the Southern Canal Dock in the inner port of Zeebrugge (Belgium).
Over 1,700 employees worldwide roll up their sleeves to clean the public spaces around sites and offices. As many as 774 garbage bags or five tons of litter were collected!
Inauguration of the Crown Princess Mary ́s Bridge over the Roskilde Fjord in Denmark, completed three months ahead of schedule.
October 2019
BESIX and NDI GROUP are awarded the contract to build a shipping channel through the Vistula Spit peninsula, in Poland. Works include breakwaters, quays, a channel,
lock infrastructure with rotating bridges and sluice gates, buildings and roads, as well as an artificial island.
Re-opening of the flagship store Flamant Sablon in Brussels (Belgium). The façade features the new Flamant logo and the tagline ‘You’re Home’.
BESIX Nederland is the first company in complex utility construction and one of the first in civil construction in The Netherlands to obtain the step 4 certificate of the Safety Culture Ladder (SCL).
Six Construct wins the Shindagha Corridor Project in Dubai (UAE). The project is focused on improving various local roadways in the heart of Dubai.
November 2019
Six Construct receives two awards from client RTA (Dubai Road Transport Authority) for Best Contractor – Mega Projects 2019 and Best Contractor for HSE performance 2019, for the Shindagha “Infinity” Bridge Project.
Official opening of the first A-STAY hotel, located in Antwerp (Belgium).
Official opening of the 100% energy-neutral sewage treatment plant in Tiel (the Netherlands). The plant will produce 3.6 million kWh biogas yearly, enough to make it energy neutral.
December 2019
BESIX RED delivers the new global headquarters of FERRERO International Agribusiness Group, right next to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg international airport.
Creating value
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Value engineering
With over 200 employees in Brussels, Dubai and Brisbane, BESIX Engineering was able to contribute to countless exciting projects in 2019, including the energy-neutral tunnel on Rotterdam’s new ring road, the prestigious Mohammed VI Tower in Morocco and the LNG terminal in Mozambique, a unique marine engineering project. Read more
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Innovation
It is in BESIX’s culture to promote innovation. In recent years, the group has developed new initiatives in this field: an innovation competition, an acceleration programme for start-ups, cutting-edge solutions that it creates with external partners. These initiatives aim to expose BESIX to new ideas and give the group the opportunity to adopt them early. Smart buildings, 3D printing, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence … Read more
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Citizenship & Sustainability
In 2019, BESIX gave concrete shape to its corporate purpose by defining ‘planetary’ ambitions at group level. it aims to provide a clear direction for the sustainability activities that have been initiated over the last 10 years by the different entities of the Group. Such truly impactful measures will enable BESIX to make a contribution to the benefit of the planet and its inhabitants. Read more
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Our People
BESIX has always hired talented, passionate and creative employees, mainly thanks to a strong corporate culture where innovation, environmental awareness, high safety standards and quality of life are central and applicable anywhere in the world. In 2019, to bring this further to the fore, BESIX introduced the ‘#We care’ strategy. Read more
Key projects
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All
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Buildings
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Infrastructure
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Marine works
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Environment
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Industry & logistics
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Sports & leisure
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Concessions & Assets
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Real estate
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Smart Building Dordrecht (NDL)
In 2019, BESIX Nederland moved into its new headquarters in Dordrecht, the Netherlands. The new building - a unique creation by BESIX - is equipped with many advanced technologies for energy management and efficiency, sustainability, comfort and security. Read more
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Masdar Institute Neighbourhood (UAE)
Masdar Institute Neighbourhood is a housing project completed by Six Construct in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi’s sustainable city. It aims to create a sustainable, compact and walkable mixed-use district. The project has been praised for its high efficiency and sustainability. Read more
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Aalter-Beernem (BEL)
The Ostend-Ghent-Brussels railway line is one of the busiest in Belgium. To improve the line’s efficiency, Infrabel has decided to increase from two to four the number of tracks between Ghent and Bruges. BESIX, BESIX Infra and Van den Berg work as equal partners on this project, each with its own speciality. Read more
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Leopold II tunnel (BEL)
The Leopold II tunnel is Belgium’s longest traffic tunnel connecting western motorways with the centre of Brussels. Over the years it had become obsolete, and a thorough renovation was the only option. Brussels Mobility awarded the contract to the CIRCUL 2020 consortium, consisting of BESIX, Jan De Nul and Engie-Fabricom. Read more
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Shindagha Bridge (UAE)
The Shindagha Bridge is an infrastructure project launched by the Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to improve the city’s traffic flow and safety. The bridge will have the capacity to accommodate a staggering 12,000 vehicles per hour in each direction. Read more
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Duqm berthing facilities (OMN)
Six Construct and Royal Boskalis Westminster partnered in a consortium to build two dual berth jetties and a quay wall for giant liquid bulk tankers in the port of Duqm, Oman. It entailed the re-flooding of the port after the construction site was sealed off from the sea by a sand dam and pumped dry. Read more
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Zeebrugge quay wall (BEL)
BESIX is building a 1,071-metre-long quay wall on the Southern Canal Dock in the inner harbor of the port of Zeebrugge. It is the last missing piece of quay which will connect the Bastogne quay and the return quay at the dock end. Once finished, it will be the largest dock in the port of Zeebrugge. Read more
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La Mé Water Treatment Plant (CIV)
BESIX is building one of West Africa’s largest drinking water treatment plants in Ivory Coast. The plant will collect water from the La Mé river and treat it. The La Mé plant will improve Abidjan’s drinking water deficit, currently standing at 33% in this city home to one fifth of the country’s population. Read more
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Three locks (BEL)
BESIX is helping modernise pumping stations and gantry cranes at three lock sites on the Charleroi-Brussels canal in Belgium. By the end of 2020, the locks at Viesville, Gosselies and Marchienne-au-Pont will each be fitted with ultra-modern equipment, with as little hindrance as possible to river traffic. Read more
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Brucargo transshipment building (BEL)
BESIX is building a new transshipment building on the Brussels Airport Brucargo site. The gigantic project consists of three sheds and three associated office units, together representing more than 60,000 m². It also includes all roads and sewerage under and around the building. Read more
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Al Janoub Stadium (QAT)
BESIX designed and built the Al Janoub Stadium (formerly known as Al Wakrah Stadium). The ultra-modern arena ranks amongst the world’s most sustainable stadiums and was completed early 2019 and inaugurated on 16 may 2019 by hosting the Amir cup final. Read more
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Queensland Country Bank Stadium (AUS)
The Queensland Country Bank Stadium was handed over by Watpac in early 2020. Boasting world-class amenities for fans and players alike, the stadium can host up to 25,000 people on game day and accommodate up to 40,000 patrons in the stands and on the field of play in concert mode. Read more
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A16 Rotterdam (NDL)
The consortium “De Groene Boog” has been awarded the contract to design, build, pre-finance and maintain the A16-project in the Rotterdam region. It is the world’s first energy-neutral highway and will dramatically improve access to the region. The contract also includes a twenty-year maintenance period. Read more
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Emirates RDF (UAE)
BESIX is building a waste recovery plant in Umm al Quwain. The plant will convert up to 1,200 tonnes of household waste a day into Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF). Hence, 90% of household waste from the emirates of Umm al Quwain and Ajman, previously landfilled, will be recovered. Read more
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Ajman Sewerage – ASPCL (UAE)
As the first PPP in the Middle East in this field, ASPCL built Ajman’s entire wastewater collection network and treatment facilities. This new investment will enable the wastewater treatment plant to generate electricity using the biogas produced by the wastewater treatment processes, again a first in the region. Read more
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Sluishuis (NDL)
BESIX is building Sluishuis, a 39,000 m² residential development on the IJ-bay in Amsterdam. This technically challenging project is entirely built on water. It will create a new living experience in Amsterdam, offering 442 energy-neutral apartments, 34 houseboat lots and 54 berths for pleasure crafts. Read more
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ICONE Belval (LUX)
ICONE Belval is an 18,800 m² office building in the GD of Luxembourg. It provides a high level of comfort while maximising the users’ performances and productivity. Considered as one of the most ambitious urban projects in Europe, it is an example of the revitalisation of an industrial zone into a new city quarter. Read more
Strategy
Read moreChanging construction market
The world in which we operate and the construction sector are undergoing profound changes. In response to these changes, BESIX has defined the foundations of its strategy to support its capacity to innovate, maintain a high level of quality, face competition, meet new financial requirements and diversify.
Technological: artificial intelligence, blockchain, augmented reality, 3D printing…
Environmental: energy efficiency, energy neutral, new materials…
Competitive: risk sharing, shrinking margins, talent war…
Strategic drivers & values
6 strategic drivers
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BEING A LEADER IN OPEN INNOVATION
We are ready to experiment. We are already running our ‘Unleash’ innovation program, as well as our own Start-Ups Accelerator. -
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PROMOTING OPENNESS TOWARDS NEW VENTURES
We have been known for decades for our entrepreneurial spirit. We need to continuously explore and to react positively to new opportunities.
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DEVELOPING “ONE-STOP-SHOP” SOLUTIONS
Our Group has unique capabilities and a multiservice offer, meaning we can provide solutions throughout the value chain, from “develop” to “operate and maintain”. -
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LEVERAGING ON OUR CUSTOMER CENTRICITY
It is key for our business to really know our clients, understand their needs and satisfy them to achieve the desired results. Doing this better than our competitors will be a major differentiating aspect. -
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PROMOTING A GREAT PLACE TO WORK
Our ability to provide a great employee experience in an open community of enthusiastic colleagues is a defining factor in our successes of tomorrow.
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06
CREATING SYNERGIES ACROSS THE GROUP
This means ‘working light’ by simplifying and harmonizing our internal processes. This can include common choices of tools, organizational formats and resource allocation across the Group.
5 values
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Excellence
This takes us straight back to our corporate purpose and trademark: to always excel in what we do. -
Passion
We are all passionate about our jobs. -
Co-creation
We need to demonstrate this every day, by pooling our minds and skills, and advancing forward. -
Unity
As the proverb goes: “alone we are smart, together we are brilliant”. Despite the size of our company, there is an attitude where colleagues stand up for each other and are ready to lend an extra hand to help others succeed. -
Respect
Respect is treating others as you want to be treated. Respect is all about attitude. It is vital to create an atmosphere of comfort and trust for everyone.
Purpose
“Excel in creating sustainable solutions for a better world”.
This mission gives our actions a goal that goes far beyond profit. It is pivotal, inspiring our decisions and actions based on a simple question: what kind of future do we want and how do we make it happen?
By encouraging new ideas, assuming our responsibilities in a proactive way and by excelling in all of our initiatives, we believe that we can help bring about positive change – economic, societal and environmental.
Key figures
Read moreDiscover the whole 2019 annual report
