Corporate Guidelines

The corporate guidelines (guidelines) comprise the fundamental rules and codes of conduct which apply for all employees of Gebr. Kemper GmbH + Co. KG. The term "employee" designates male as well as female employees and also refers to members of management.

The guidelines are meant to clarify for all employees the fundamental legal and ethical requirements they have to follow in the performance of their duties, to make them aware of these rules and offer general guidance. 

One fundamental principle of our activities is to act in accordance with the law in force in the respective jurisdiction where we are engaged. All employees are bound to observe all statutory provisions applying to our activities. One of our core principles is to avoid all business dealings which clearly aim at circumventing legal requirements.

Each employee is bound to protect the reputation of Gebr. Kemper GmbH + Co. KG and to avoid all activities which might damage the company. In particular, we expect personal integrity and reliability from all our employees.

We are committed the internationally accepted human rights and shall support compliance in our sphere of influence. In addition, we strictly object to all kinds of child and forced labor. From our business partners , we expect strict compliance with these ethical principles.

Gebr. Kemper GmbH + Co. KG supports governments, non-governmental organizations and industry groups in their efforts to eliminate trade of “Conflict Minerals/Metals” (Section 1502 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act), especially illegally mined tin, from the Democratic Republic of Congo and its adjoining countries. Therefore Gebr. Kemper GmbH + Co. KG will monitor and perform reasonable due diligence within its supply chain to ensure that the metals used in its products are not procured as “Conflict Minerals/Metals”.

We expect all employees to respect the personal dignity, the privacy and
personal rights of each individual. We do not tolerate discrimination, sexual or other personal harassment or defamation. The same applies for any kind of coercion, violence or the threat of force.

Employees shall avoid all situations causing personal conflicts of interest for themselves or our business partners. The taking or offering of bribes and other unlawful payments is strictly prohibited.

All employees are bound to confidentiality regarding all internal confidential matters relating to the company and confidential information of or with regard to our business partners. All confidential information shall be protected from unauthorized disclosure to third parties. Employees are committed to observe all data privacy regulations and are personally responsible to protect all personalized data against unauthorized access.

Gebr. Kemper GmbH + Co. KG is committed to the principle of conducting business only in a proper legal and ethical manner. We therefore participate in competition solely with legal and fair means. Each individual employee is under the obligation to always observe competition law regulations. All actions representing a violation of antitrust laws, such as agreements with competitors regarding prices and conditions, are prohibited.

We are committed to fair and open dealings with our business partners. In particular, we strive to maintain an open communication with our customers in order to help them make informed, reasonable decisions benefiting their interests. Potential conflicts of interest with customers and other business partners must be detected in time, avoided wherever possible or – in the instance that this is not practicable, adequate solutions must be found.

All records and reports, whether used for internal or external communication, must always be correct, complete and accurate. In particular, this applies to accounting and balancing of accounts as well as to all other reports with regard to the company's performance and its financial standing.

Official statements to as well as communication with the media shall only be effected by the management or expressly authorized employees.

Gebr. Kemper GmbH + Co. KG is committed to its responsibility for the protection of the environment and sustainability. The company has therefore adopted regulations and guidelines to protect the environment which must be complied with by all employees. Employees shall always consider the effect of their actions and decisions on the environment and must avoid any damage to the environment to the best extent possible.

The assets of our company not only include tangible assets/property but also intangible assets (intellectual property including software products), information as well as the ideas and know-how of our employees. Each employee is responsible to protect these company values. The company's assets shall solely be used for valid business and never for illegal purposes.

When making donations or offering sponsorships, it must always be ensured that the provisions of the respective jurisdiction and internal regulations are complied with. Donations can be made to institutions promoting education and science, art and culture as well as to social and other recognized projects eligible for funding. Donations to political parties are prohibited.

These guidelines shall become part of the company's business life and the everyday working life of all employees of Gebr. Kemper GmbH + Co. KG. Consequently, each employee is responsible for compliance with the rules and codes of ethic contained in these guidelines. Supervisors and managers shall make sure that their associates are familiar with the contents of the guidelines and comply with the regulations applying to their scope of activities. They shall act as role models for their employees.
Equally, employees shall contact their supervisors in case of any doubts and questions regarding implementation of these guidelines.

Olpe, December 2011

The Management

Signed: R. Kemper       W. Fischer       Dr. W. Pavel