SGDB_BROCHURE_EN_31122010.pdf [3.33 MB] - Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain:
a world leader
in the habitat and
construction markets
Saint-Gobain is world leader on the habitat market
with the production and distribution of building materials
for use in individual, collective and office buildings.
Its ambition is to invent the homes of the future.
The Group is constantly innovating to create a more
comfortable, more energy-efficient and more sustainable
living environment, all over the world.
Its unique experience has led to high-performance systems
such as insulating materials, low emissivity glass, which
helps to reduce heat loss while allowing rooms to be
warmed by direct sunshine, photovoltaic panels, pipework
for transporting drinking water and rainwater recovery
systems, etc.
Saint-Gobain’s strategy rests on a development model
generating high and balanced growth. This model
is based on three Sectors: Construction Products,
Innovative Materials (Flat Glass and High Performance
Materials) and Building Distribution. In addition
to their growth in emerging countries, each of these
Sectors has its own growth drivers: energy efficiency
for Construction Products; innovation for Innovative
Materials and increasing the density of its network
of sales outlets and the capacity to meet
customers’ every expectation for Building
Distribution.
CONTENTS
Our values
__________________________________ p. 4 to 7
Our strong and
complementary
trading brands
_________________________________ p. 8 to 11
Safety, health,
environment and
responsible growth:
our commitments
________________________________ p. 12 to 15
Innovation,
serving our customers
_______________________________ p. 16 to 19

Saint-Gobain
Distribution Bâtiment,
the N°1 European
distributor of building
materials
With a network of around 4,100 sales outlets,
Saint-Gobain Distribution Bâtiment is Europe’s leading
distribution network of building materials,
the n°1 European distributor of plumbing, heating and
sanitaryware products and the n°1 tile distributor in the
world.
The wealth of our generalist and specialist trading brands,
the quality and extent of our network, the drive and expertise
of our teams are real advantages for our customers.
The 26 countries in which the Sector is located also represent
sales opportunities for our suppliers, with whom we develop
partnership relations.
Around 4,100 sales outlets in 26 countries
N°1 in Europe
• building materials distribution network
• on the plumbing, heating and sanitaryware market
N°1 in the world
• in tile distribution
Turnover 2010:
17.3 billion e
accounting for 43% of total Group turnover
66,000 employees
in the world
After a period of growth marked by a number of acquisitions,
mainly in Europe, the Building Distribution Sector of Saint-Gobain
reacted strongly to the economic crisis by consolidating
the integration of new companies and furthering its sales
and operational drives. Through sharing experiences between
our brands, creating synergies and putting the customer at the heart
of our strategy, we intend to get the most from our size, our diversity,
our teams’ experience and their ability to react on a local level.
Our priorities are those of a leader: to be at the forefront of innovation
to offer our customers the best service and added value, to promote
the most efficient solutions to increase the energy efficiency of new
buildings or buildings to be renovated, strengthen our networks and
logistics, invest in our teams’ development, continue to progress in the
field of safety.
In a difficult economic context, I am convinced that the quality
and speed of execution of our teams will continue to “make the
difference” and I am confident in the potential of our development
prospects.
Benoît BAZIN
President of
Saint-Gobain
Distribution Bâtiment

4/5

Our values
The men and women that make up
our networks all have the same approach
towards our customers: “selling” means
“satisfying”.

OUR VALUES
We aim to be...
LOCAL
Wherever we are, we seek to find out
precisely what each customer wants,
whether they are tradesmen, small
and medium-sized enterprises, individuals
with a project or large companies.
Our everyday mission is to be attentive
and close to our customers in order
to satisfy them better.
6/7
We aim to be...
EXPERTS
Our generalist and specialist networks are
at the service of the huge renovation and
new private building market. Our goal is to
constantly give our customers a professional
solution, the relevant expertise and an
increased added value.
“I receive, check the products and I’m in charge
of the handling and management of the stock,
ensuring safety procedures are applied.
From reception to preparing for delivery to our
customers, I follow the products right through
the process up until the point of delivery.
To be a warehouse manager, you have to be
thoroughly familiar with the products and be
customer-focused.
They are
Saint-Gobain
Distribution
Bâtiment...
Gavin,
Warehouse Manager
Jewson
We aim to be...
INNOVATIVE
Always on the look-out for
our customer’s latest requirements,
we are constantly looking for new
solutions. We provide them with
products and services, sales concepts,
showrooms, training centres,
practical guides and logistics.

They are
Saint-Gobain
Distribution
Bâtiment...
Lars,
Branch Manager
Dahl
I make sure that the branch operates properly
on a day-to-day basis. I am the person who ensures
the security of staff and goods. When dealing with
customers, my team and I offer the best possible
services and supplies. So, having my employees
improve their skills is very important. As I see it,
our strength on the ground is based on the quality
of our service and advice, team-work and proximity.”
We aim to be...
PARTNERS
We develop European and national
partnerships with suppliers chosen for
their knowledge of the local environment,
the quality of their products, their innovative
capabilities and their business support.
We aim to be...
UNITED
We share best practices and
adapt them locally. We are stronger
together, by uniting skills
and sharing know-how between
our brands.

8/9

Our strong
and complementary
trading brands
Rooted in its local market, each brand
has a unique position to meet the specific
needs of each type of customer
and market. Together, they contribute
to the strength of our business.

Our strong
and complementary
trading brands
They are
Saint-Gobain
Distribution
Bâtiment...
Antoine,
Internal Sales
Representative Lapeyre
I am the first person the customers come into
contact with. My role: to welcome them, listen to
them, understand their exact needs in order to give
them the best advice. My objective: make sure that
our customers are satisfied with the product or the
service they have chosen. I meet a lot of different
people with a wide variety of expectations. It’s an
extremely lively, enriching and broadening job.”
10/11

In France, Point.P Matériaux
de Construction is the generalist brand
of the Point.P group, the leading building
materials’ distributor. The Point.P group
mainly targets building professionals via
a range of generalist and specialist brands.
With 1,700 sales outlets, its network covers
the whole of France and serves the new
building and renovation markets.
It provides a complete range of energy
efficient solutions.
In the Nordics, Dahl, n°1 distributor
of plumbing, heating and sanitaryware
products, and Optimera, a major player
in the distribution of building materials,
are the main brands of Saint-Gobain
Distribution Nordic. They serve the new
building, renovation and sustainable
solutions markets. Saint-Gobain Distribution
Nordic has more than 400 sales outlets
in total.
In the United Kingdom, Jewson is the
generalist brand of Saint-Gobain Building
Distribution UK & Ireland, the leading
supplier of timber and building products.
With over 900 sales outlets, SGBD UK &
Ireland mainly targets small and mediumsized
enterprises and tradespeople.
Its network is made up of a portfolio
of generalist and specialist brands serving
the new building, renovation and durable
home improvement markets.
In Germany, Raab Karcher is the generalist
brand of Saint-Gobain Building Distribution
Deutschland GmbH. A leader on the country’s
building materials distribution market with about
250 sales outlets, the SGBDD network is made up
of complementary generalist and specialist brands
to meet the needs of all types of customers, markets
and projects. The Raab Karcher brand also operates
in the Netherlands, Poland, Hungary and the Czech
Republic.
In France, Switzerland and Belgium, Lapeyre, the main
brand of the Lapeyre group, is specialised in home
improvement through its different areas: fittings,
bathroom, kitchen, joinery and floor. With over 140 sales
outlets, it offers bespoke services to its customers.
Both a manufacturer and distributor, the Lapeyre group
works on the renovation and new building markets.
“I visit my customers and my prospects regularly.
In my area, I’m an important link between
the customers and the branch. This involves meeting
them on construction sites, identifying their needs,
informing them of any promotional activities, asking
for quotations and taking their orders. In addition
to being a full-time sales representative, I am also
a technical specialist and am always learning
more about our products.
They are
Saint-Gobain
Distribution
Bâtiment...
Mats,
External Sales Representative
Optimera

12/13

Safety, health,
environment and
responsible growth:
our commitments
We have a proactive policy in terms of risk
prevention and environmental protection.
All actions are part of a continuous
drive to improve performances using
shared values that are set down
in the Saint-Gobain Group’s Principles
of Conduct and Action.

Safety, health,
environment
and responsible
growth:
our commitments
Safety and health:
a priority at all times
Safety is one of our values. Our employees are committed daily to ensure that the access and conditions
of health and safety are optimum in the workplace. This involves operational discipline in the field
and attention from every level of management.
14/15
> In 2010, we carried
out over 22,000
The SMAT (Safety Management Audit Tool) is a tool
for observing and discussing our safety practices
in the field. It helps make everyday actions
and behaviour safer. The 4 golden rules of safety
of the distribution business apply in every outlet
and contribute to the safety of everyone.
Compulsory wearing of:
• safety shoes,
• protective gloves,
• high-visibility clothes,
• seatbelt on equipped vehicles.
> In 7 years, we have reduced
by two-thirds our lost-time
incident rate (LTIR*)
Evolution of the lost-time incident
rate of Building Distribution Sector
of Saint-Gobain
17.6 16.2
12.4 10.9 9.6 8.7
6.9 5.9
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
They are
Saint-Gobain
Distribution
Bâtiment...
Anders,
Driver
Raab Karcher
I take care of delivering our customer’s orders.
Every day, my work consists of: checking
the quantities stated on the delivery slips,
loading the goods within specified loading
limits, and making deliveries to customers
on time and to schedule. I am continuously
in contact with customers. Being customerfocused
and maintaining a good relationship
is very important.”
* LTIR: lost-time incident rate, defined as more than 24 hours’ lost time for employees of the Building Distribution Sector.

Environment:
principles and actions
Reassessed regularly, the aim of our environmental policy is to:
• Ensure confirmity with all applicable laws and regulations,
• Prevent all sources of pollution on our sites,
• Continuously improve our environmental results.
In 2007, the Sector set up an environmental policy applicable to timber. It defines
criteria for responsible buying and selling of timber and derived products in all
of our trading brands. It fixes a set of common operating rules and commits
us to supply products that are more environmentally friendly, involve the sales teams
and provide better information to customers.
> Like other brands in the Sector,
Dispano, the Point.P group’s specialist
in Timber, Panels and Joinery in
France, has decided not to sell certain
endangered species or those that
come from countries in contravention
of international conventions or good
forestry practices. Alternative species
are offered to customers.
> In Germany, since 2007, SGBD
Deutschland GmbH has been the only
company on its market with triple
certification: ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and
OHSAS 18001 for its entire network,
i.e. 250 sales outlets.
> In the United Kingdom, Jewson
is ISO 14001 certified for all of
its 500 branches. The goal is now
for SGBD UK & Ireland to have its
entire network OHSAS 18001 certified.
> Our brands are also active in waste
management: with over 400 tonnes
collected from its customers in 2010,
la Plateforme du Bâtiment in France
is one of the most active merchants in
recycling electrical waste and electronic
equipment.
> Brødrene Dahl in Norway recovers and
over 80% of its own and its customers’
waste. Other waste is turned into new
energy that respects the environment.
Beyond…
Responsible trading brands
Our brands are committed to responsible growth. They are involved in local initiatives
with communities in the countries in which they are located.
> In 2002, SGBD UK & Ireland launched
“together”, a charity fundraising programme
that generated widespread internal involvement.
Since then, over £1.6 million have been collected
for charities. The partnership with
“Help the Hospices”, launched in July 2009,
which supports hospice care throughout
the UK, involves all 11,000 employees
of SGBD UK & Ireland and has since
raised £250,000.
> In Germany, our brands support
Herzenswünsche (Heart’s desire). Every year,
SGBD Deutschland GmbH donates
to this organisation so that children and
juveniles in the terminal phase of illness
can make their dream come true.
> Launched in 2009, the Saint-Gobain Initiatives
international corporate foundation supports
welfare projects in the field of housing, put
forward by Group employees. Some projects
sponsored by Saint-Gobain Initiatives are
supported by employees from the Point.P group:
building of a rainwater filtration system to give
drinking water to people in villages in Vietnam
or also the rehabilitation of a relay centre
to accommodate people in difficult situations.

16/17

innovation,
serving our customers
We accompany and train our customers
in preparation for new trends and
markets. This involves sales concepts,
products and services, showrooms,
training centres, practical guides
and everyday advice.
To each customer his need.
To each need its solution.
For each solution… We innovate!

Innovation,
serving our
customers
Point.P Matériaux de Construction’s
“ÉCO-RÉFLEXES” global structure
accompanies professionals to face
the challenge for energy efficiency.
It rests on a full and relevant product
range as well as training and
information tools for use by
employees and professional
customers: technical guide, road
show across 50 French cities…
To better accompany and help its
professional customers in their
day-to-day, Lapeyre is creating new
services and tools, with, in particular,
the edition of the new catalog Lapeyre
Pro and the implementation of its first
loyalty programme Lapeyre Pro+.
18/19
Brødrene Dahl’s “Klimacenter”
in Denmark is a 700 square meters
showroom, a training centre
and a competence centre dedicated
to renewable energy sources
and ventilation. Professional
plumbers and end-users can test
products here to find the best
energy efficient solutions.
“With my team, I drive marketing and sales for my
family of products: range and supplier selection,
stock and sales plans, leading the salesforce and
outlets... I am also constantly looking at new trends
and developments in the market!
They are
Saint-Gobain
Distribution
Bâtiment...
Myriam,
Market Manager
Point.P Matériaux
de Construction
In the United States, the
redesigned Norandex website
www.norandex.com features
individual pages for each
of branch locations. Local
professional builders and
contractors can find relevant
information regarding the nearest
outlet in just a click.
Because building projects are
often stressful, K par K proposes
the Trankillité Contract. The brand
thus adds value to its services and
the efficiency of its solutions, taking
the stress out of the situation.

Greenworks, with its training academy
and product guide, undertakes to offer
the best possible service to customers looking
for renewable energy, sustainable heating
and water saving solutions.
With Solarkauf, a “one-stop-shop solution“ within
selected sales outlets, Saint-Gobain Building
Distribution Deutschland GmbH proposes
a full range of products and accessories for
the photovoltaic market. In parallel, the specific
own brand Luxra has been developed to distribute
solar modules and mounting systems.
La Plateforme “Express”
is a new type of store of
La Plateforme du Bâtiment
in France. Grouping all
building specialities
under the same roof in a
600 square meters selfcollection
area, the brand
proposes services such as a
300 square meters cutting
workshop and guaranteed
3-hour express delivery
to building sites.
Jewson’s “Sustainable Building
Guide” is intended for new
building and renovation
professionals. Practical and
instructive, it provides a lot
of key information to build
a sustainable future: clear
advice, current and upcoming
regulations, government
incentives as well as an
exhaustive overview of “green”
products, solutions and
sustainable systems.
In the Czech Republic, the majority
of sales outlets have been renovated
or extended to widen the product portfolio
and boost commercial appeal: unification
of sales lines, creation of standard modules
of product merchandisers, standardisation
of self-collection areas.
Among the services proposed by
La Maîson Arting in China, owners
of apartments can benefit from
the expertise of a designer and
home installation of a full range of
decorative interior products.

Editor-in-chief:
Benoît Bazin
Managing Editor:
Virginie Maréchal
Coordination:
Anne-Claire Goguet and Anne-Eloïse Ivey
Photo copyrights:
Franck Dunouau, Martin Neeves Photography, Williams photography,
Johan Olsson, SGBD Deutschland GmbH, Bun Phannara_Orsol, SGBD UK &
Ireland, Lars Behrendt, Groupe Lapeyre, Nicolas Facenda, Steen Gyldendal,
Ondřej Dostal, Norandex, SGBD China, Fotolia, SGDBCom, Lionel Moulet,
Bruno Fert.
Design and production:
+33 1 41 27 91 40
March 2011.
As part of Saint-Gobain Building Distribution Sector’s
environmental policy, printing of this brochure
has been reduced by 80% compared to the previous
edition. It is also available in electronic format
on www.saint-gobain.com.
Printed on recycled paper with vegetable inks, by Imprimerie Nouvelle - Jouve
(Saint-Jean-de-Braye, France). Imprimerie Nouvelle - Jouve is Imprim’Vert
certified and undertakes to process all of its waste and not to use toxic
products.
Aurélie, Céline, Christophe, Corinne,
Denis, Edith, Fabien, Fouad, Gilles,
Graham, Jean-Marc, Kevin, Lakdar, Linda,
Manuel, Marc, Mark, Michael, Mohand,
Moktar, Nathan, Philippe, Reiss,
Richard, Rod, Stephen, Steven...
Many thanks to women and men
of SGDB who illustrate this corporate
brochure.
Saint-Gobain Distribution Bâtiment
Les Miroirs - 18, avenue d’Alsace
92096 La Défense Cedex - France
Phone: +33 1 47 62 53 00
Fax: +33 1 47 62 53 15
310 818 398 R.C.S. Nanterre
This corporate brochure
is also available in French,
German, Spanish
and Portuguese/Brazilian.