Risk management

At Sulzer, compliance risks are assessed regularly as part of the company’s integrated risk management process. The results are discussed with the management and the Audit Committee.

Risk

Risk exposure

Main loss controls

External and markets

 

 

Market assessment

Market developments that are assessed ­inappropriately could lead to missed business opportunities or losses.

— Continuous monitoring and assessment of market developments

— Systematic midrange planning based on market developments and expectations

Geopolitical shocks

A geopolitical shock event could have an impact on operations and travel. Also, it ­could imply currency risks and default risks of countries and banks.

— Monitoring of exposure in critical countries

— Monitoring of debt situation of countries and banks

— Continuous monitoring of raw material prices and inflation indicators

— Sulzer’s global presence mitigates the effect of geopolitical shocks

Strategic

 

 

Innovation

Failure in R&D and innovation activities could negatively impact the ability to operate and to grow the business. Insufficient investments in innovation to maintain technology leadership and develop innovative products.

— Stage-Gate ® process and key performance indicators to ensure quality of the development

— Product Development Council with strong focus on strategic plans and value engineering

— Prototypes and own test beds to test products before market release

— Core Technology Council for development of basic technology

— Focus on innovation with strategic customers

— Innovation projects

— Implementation of an expert development program for key critical resources

Operational

 

 

Attraction and retention

Failure to attract, retain, and develop people could lead to a lack of critical skills and knowledge, which hinders both daily operations and growth potential.

— Anchoring company values and behaviors

— Employee Opinion Survey

— Robust internal communications strategy

— Engagement in workshops and collaborative activities

— Creating development experiences and opportunities

— Salary grading and benchmarking

Health and safety

An unsafe working environment could lead to harm to people, reputational damage, fines, as well as liability claims and could have a serious economic impact.

— Health and safety directives, guidelines, programs (e.g., Safe Behavior Program), and training

— OHSAS 18001 certifications

— Monthly health and safety controlling and regular audits

— Global network of health and safety officers

Environmental

Environmental damage could lead to harm to people and nature, reputational damage, fines, as well as liability claims and could have a serious economic impact.

— Mitigation in comprehensive environmental due diligence (EDD) projects for acquisitions and divestitures

— Elimination of environmentally damaging substances through Prohibited Substances List

Compliance

Non-compliant or unethical behavior could lead to reputational damage, fines, and liability claims.

— Active fostering of high ethical standards by tone from the top and middle management

— Continuous monitoring and assessment of potential exposures

— Sulzer Code of Business Conduct and a number of supporting regulations (e.g., anticorruption, antitrust, trade control)

— Third-party due diligence process

— Global network of compliance and trade compliance officers

— Compliance training (incl. e-learning) and audits

— Speak-up culture, compliance hotline, and sanctions

Quality of products and services

Failure of high-quality products and services could lead to repeated work, reputational damage, or liability claims.

— Quality management and assurance systems tailored to specific businesses

— Third-party accreditation

— Competence development programs and training of employees

— Test centers

Business interruptions

Business interruption, such as a fire, could cause damage to people, property, and equipment. It could have a negative effect on the ability to operate at the affected site.

— Crisis and emergency management systems (at global and local level)

— Risk management policy and guidelines

— Global manufacturing footprint and global procurement

— Disaster recovery plans in IT

Financial

 

 

Financial markets

The unpredictability of financial markets may have a negative effect on Sulzer’s financial performance and its ability to raise or access capital.

— Group financial policy

— Foreign exchange risk policy

— Trading loss limits for financial instruments

Credit

Credit risks arising from financial institutions and from customers could have a negative effect on Sulzer’s financial performance and ability to operate.

— For financial institutions, only parties with a strong credit quality are accepted (third-party rated)

— Individual risk assessment of customers with large order volumes

— Continuous monitoring of country risks

Liquidity

Failure in liquidity risk management may have a negative effect on Sulzer’s financial performance and its ability to operate.

— Continuous liquidity monitoring

— Management of liquidity reserves at group level

— Cash flow program to optimize liquidity and cash flow management

— Efficient use of available cash through cash pooling