Nordzucker_GB 03-04_E_.pd 1 - Nordzucker AG

Management Report Nordzucker AG
Trainees
Nordzucker AG *
150
140
130
120
110
100
90.
0
110
121
145
30.09.2001 30.09.2002 30.09.2003
* 2001 incl. Nordkristall GmbH and ZVM GmbH
* 2003/04 incl. Union-Zucker plant Nordstemmen
Personnel Development
To make sure that the company continues
to operate successfully in the future,
Nordzucker has to make increasingly
higher demands on the qualifications of
all its employees. Starting from the personnel
development offensive of the past
four years, the company is now concentrating
on the individualisation of the
qualification measures. A central aspect
of the 2003 training scheme was the
leadership issue. It includes the competence
development programme for all
senior and junior executive staff that was
launched previously, as well as additional
programmes for junior managers and
foremen.
Training
Notwithstanding its scheduled staff cuts,
Nordzucker is continuing its efforts to
provide qualified training for young people.
The integration of the Nordstemmen
plant has increased the number of trainees
to 145 (121) as of 30 September 2003.
Our aim of employing ten percent
trainees based on our regular workforce
has thus been attained.
In the year under review, we continued
to develop the Nordzucker training
standards. The syllabus for the technical
and industrial training in the electrical
and metal-working professions has been
re-structured and included in the regular
training programme. In 2003, we expanded
our qualification programme for
instructors by also including pedagogical
elements.
Nordzucker would like to thank all
its employees for their commitment and
for the successful work done. Particular
thanks is due to the staff of the Schleswig
plant. Despite the forthcoming closure
of their factory, they showed a high level
of commitment and flexibility and completed
the campaign most successfully.
We would also like to thank the members
of the works council for their constructive
and critical cooperation.
Investment
In the year under review, Nordzucker AG
invested Euro 35.7 (54.5) million primarily
in the sugar factories of Clauen and
Uelzen. Investments concentrated on the
improved product and service quality,
reduced energy requirements, and the
implementation of the “dry beet yard”
concept, as well as other environmental
measures.
Product and Service Quality
The new dust arrester plant for white
sugar installed in the service centre of
the Wierthe sugar factory will help
not only meet customer requirements
and hygiene guidelines, it also maintains
compliance with HACCP requirements.
Equipment installed in the Nordstemmen
plant for continuous colour measurement
provides a complete and uninterrupted
quality control chain in the bulk loading
and pre-screening station of that plant.
The Güstrow sugar factory has been
equipped with a new bagging line using
palettomats, which Nordzucker has
developed in cooperation with the
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