Wacker Neuson Group: Shaping sustainable growth (news with additional features)

Shaping sustainable growth

Wacker Neuson takes part in VDMA's "Corporate Social Responsibility Week"

In Germany's mechanical engineering sector, the week from September 15 through 21, 2014 was all about sustainability. The German Engineering Federation (VDMA) dedicated this week to corporate social responsibility (CSR) as part of a drive to promote responsible business practices across the industry. Many companies throughout Germany took part in the initiative, including Wacker Neuson. The Group used the CSR week as an incentive to expand its CSR activities across the organization.

In 2013, Wacker Neuson became one of the first companies to sign up to the VDMA's Blue Competence initiative, which focuses on sustainability in industry. In addition to highlighting topics such as energy use and resource conservation, Blue Competence also centers on compliance and corporate philosophy as well as supplier selection and management processes.

Sustainability plays a key role in almost every area of the Wacker Neuson Group. Cem Peksaglam, CEO of Wacker Neuson SE is certainly happy with the results of CSR week. "Many people think that sustainability is just about reducing energy consumption. This week has given us the perfect opportunity to show that there is actually a lot more to this topic and that sustainability affects all areas in the company. As part of our commitment to CSR, we continually improve our processes throughout the Group, from procurement through production and administration to sales and service." The Group's procurement team, for example, reviews and evaluates how its suppliers work, investigating work conditions on site and the environmental impact of suppliers' production processes. The Group has been, and still is, implementing energy and environmental management systems in its own production workflows that will help cut energy consumption and optimize workflows.

New products with the ECO seal of approval Wacker Neuson launched its ECO seal of approval last year to recognize products that are exceptionally environmentally friendly and cost efficient. Thus far, it has awarded the seal to existing products and machines equipped with new drive concepts. These include the eHoftrac^(R) loader, which is distributed under the Group's Weidemann brand, and the WL20e, a new electric wheel loader from Wacker Neuson that is driven by powerful batteries. The 803 dual power mini excavator is a smart innovation developed specifically to meet the challenges faced by operators on site. It comes with a diesel engine and an external hydroelectric motor, which can be used as an alternative power source, enabling the 803 to be operated with zero-emissions, for example when working indoors. During CSR week, Wacker Neuson showcased the WL20e wheel loader and the 803 dual power excavator at GaLaBau in Nuremberg, Europe's leading gardening and landscaping trade show. Wacker Neuson also presented a world first during CSR week with its two battery-powered rammer models, AS 30 and AS 50. The new machines produce zero emissions and very low noise levels. They can also be used without cables, making them ideal for work in deep trenches and enclosed spaces. Wacker Neuson CTO, Martin Lehner, outlines the Group's commitment to responsible development and innovation: "Regulations governing emissions and noise levels are already very stringent. We go one step further, however, and offer solutions that can eliminate emissions entirely, setting new standards in operator and environmental protection and enabling companies to benefit from significant reductions in energy and operating costs." A jury from bi-GaLaBau, the industry magazine for the gardening and landscaping industry, recognized this commitment last week, presenting Wacker Neuson with the Green Award gold medal for its battery-powered AS 50 rammer.

Learning about ECO Developing the right technology is just one side of the equation, however. Correct operation is equally important. Wacker Neuson has therefore made cost effectiveness and environmental impact an integral part of the regular product training courses that it offers to its own sales and service teams as well as to dealers and their sales staff at the Wacker Neuson Academy. This year, the Academy launched special ECO modules specifically designed to communicate the benefits of ECO light and compact equipment. The Group also carried out surveys on the subject of sustainability to ensure that it continues to provide stakeholders with the information they need.

Social engagement Wacker Neuson also availed of VDMA's CSR week to help people in need. At the Group headquarters in Munich, the German Bone Marrow Donor Center (DKMS) informed employees about the risks of blood cancer and carried out tissue typing. Many employees decided to support the organization by registering as potential donors. The Group also sponsors and supports the charity SOS-Kinderdorf e.V., which is involved in projects in Germany and Mexico. Other social engagement projects include support for workshops employing disabled people in the US and a healthcare and education project for women and children in Pakistan.

Sustainability reporting The Group is currently introducing a sustainability management system that will enable it to objectively benchmark its sustainability performance moving forward. Reflecting its commitment to clearly and quantifiably presenting its social responsibility activities, the Wacker Neuson Group will be publishing its first sustainability report in 2015. The report will provide stakeholders with information on the latest sustainability developments across the Group.

"Throughout the course of our history, we have remained true to our heritage as engineers, craftsmen and entrepreneurs. We see ourselves as agents of change and progress, inspired by the knowledge that there is always room for improvement with the right mindset and motivation. This also applies to sustainability," concludes Cem Peksaglam.

The Wacker Neuson Group remains on a strong growth path in 2014. In the last five years alone, it has invested over EUR 400 million in future growth and significantly expanded its production capacities. The Group is systematically branching out into new markets to raise global brand awareness and strengthen its position as an industry leader.

Your contact partner:

Wacker Neuson SE Katrin Yvonne Neuffer Head of Corporate Communication/ Investor Relations Preussenstrasse 41 80809 Munich, Germany Phone +49-(0)89-35402-173 katrin.neuffer@wackerneuson.com www.wackerneuson.com

About Wacker Neuson: The Wacker Neuson Group is a leading manufacturer of light and compact equipment with over 40 affiliates, 140 sales and service stations and more than 12,000 sales and service partners across the globe. The Group can trace its roots back to 1848. Wacker Neuson is the partner of choice among professional users in construction, gardening, landscaping and agriculture, as well as among municipal bodies and companies in industries such as recycling and energy. It also offers a global spare parts service. The Wacker Neuson Group includes the product brands Wacker Neuson, Kramer and Weidemann. In 2013, the Group achieved revenue of EUR 1.16 billion and employs over 4,200 people worldwide.