Supporting your business worldwide

Imagine what we can

achieve together ...

NV Bekaert SA
President Kennedypark 18
8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
T +32 56 23 05 11
F +32 56 23 05 43

Would you like to learn more about the solutions we offer?

Are you interested in any of our products or services?
Please dont hesitate to get in touch. We would be delighted
to talk about how we can work together.

Bekaert Corporation
3200 West-Market Street, Suite 303
Akron, Ohio 44333-3326 USA
T +1 330 867 3325
F +1 330 873 3424

www.bekaert.com

Bekaert Corporation
1395 South Marietta Parkway
Building 700, Suite 708
Marietta, Georgia 30067-4440, USA
T +1 770 421 8520
F +1 770 421 8521

June 2013. Responsible editor: Katelijn Bohez

Bekaert Management
(Shanghai) Co., Ltd
17 F, Block E, Waterfront Place
No. 31, Lane 168, Daduhe Road
200062 Shanghai, China
T +86 21 2219 7000
F +86 21 2219 7399

Putting better together into practice

What does customer focus mean in everyday practice? Well tell you about some
product solutions that were the result of fruitful co-development partnerships.
Bekaert and its customers have a long tradition of working in close collaboration around
the world. By becoming part of local economies, Bekaert learned that particular
circumstances require a particular approach. Our case stories are illustrative of the
remarkable successes built on better together, in very diverse industries.

Contents
PLEASED TO MEET YOU
WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER
4 Introducing Bekaert
6 Global presence to support
your business
10 Developing for tomorrow
13 Expanding our horizons
since 1880

The combination of Bekaert

Ducab considers Bekaert

The Bekaert team was

steel cord and our Glass Matt

an important partner in

highly committed, diligent

Reinforced Thermoplastic

supply chain management.

and knowledgeable and

was essential for Polynorm in

Prestigious projects such as

they have deployed all the

order to introduce a solution

the Dubai Metro and Burj

available resources, including

compliant with the latest

Dubai can only be supported

world-class laboratory

automotive safety and impact

by world players like Bekaert.

facilities, for the successful

tests.

Ducab and Bekaert believe in

completion of our technology

Total Quality Excellence; our

partnership which will, no

partnership perfectly

doubt, be highly beneficial to

illustrates the baseline, better

both parties.

Kees van Koert, Director Product

Development at voestalpine Polynorm
Plastics Solutions

16
18
20
22
23
24
25

YOUR BUSINESS,
OUR BUSINESS
The automotive sector
The construction sector
The energy & utilities sector
Consumer goods
The equipment sector
The agricultural sector
The basic materials sector

26
28

THE WORLD AROUND US,

OUR SHARED CONCERN
Sustainability is in our DNA
Part of your life

better together
30 better together stories

together.
Ali Al Nahdi, Purchasing Manager,
Supply chain department Ducab

PK Mohamed, Chief Adviser,

Research & Technology, Apollo Tyres

4
4

Introducing Bekaert

Who We Are
- Founded in 1880
- A world market and technology leader in steel wire transformation and coatings
- The world's largest independent manufacturer of drawn steel wire products
- Customers in over 120 countries and in diverse markets and sectors
- 27 000 employees worldwide
- Headquarters in Belgium
- Combined sales in 2012: 4.4 billion
- Consolidated sales in 2012: 3.5 billion
- Listed on Euronext Brussels (BEKB)
- Reporting under IFRS
- Chairman of the Board of Directors: Baron Buysse
- Chief Executive Officer: Bert De Graeve
www.bekaert.com

5
5

What we have to offer

Bekaert employs unique metal treatment technologies
to deliver a quality portfolio of drawn steel wire
products and coating solutions on a global scale.
We are passionate about finding the next market trend
so we can help you strengthen your market position.

Strength through synergy

Transforming steel wire and applying coating

technologies, that is our core business. We have over
130 years of experience in creating wire products of
the form, quality and composition best suited to
your needs. Working together, we draw on this
expertise to develop the right solutions for you.

Steel wire transformation focuses on the bulk

properties of our products: finding the right metal
composition, using the appropriate thermal treatments, and implementing different forming and joining
techniques to obtain the properties needed. Strength,
ductility, fatigue-resistance, shape and dimensions,
conductivity, magnetic permeability our processes
provide you with the wire product you need.
Coating technologies focus on the surface properties of our products: selecting the right surface
treatments for the material and depositing the right
amount (from nanometers to micrometers) of just
about any material (metals, polymers, ceramics) onto
the base. Adhesion, corrosion or wear resistance,
aesthetic appearance, anti-fouling behavior coating
the product properly can optimize its performance.

Our primary raw material is wire rod we purchase

more than 2.7 million tons annually. Depending on your
requirements, we draw wire from it in different
strengths and diameters, even as thin as ultrafine
fibers of 1 micron. We group the wires into cords,
weave or knit them into fabric, or process them into an
end-product. Our market-oriented innovation
guarantees an up-to-date product portfolio with new
products and new functionalities that are better,
stronger, faster, longer-lasting, and ever more
materially-efficient.

better together: the core of our corporate

philosophy

Depending on the application, we apply high-tech

coatings which reduce friction, improve corrosion
resistance, or enhance wear resistance. Together, our
core technological competences give you an edge in
your market.

Throughout its long history, Bekaert has believed in

the value of strong partnerships and sustainable
customer relationships. better together sums up the
unique cooperative approach for Bekaert and its
business partners.

Focus on two core competences

We want to help you grow your business. We want to

know what challenges you face, how you view new
developments, how you plan to grow, and where you
need greater efficiency. We want to meet your needs
and offer you added value for both now and in the
longer term.

Strength through synergy. This applies not only to our

customer relationships, but also to the way we
combine our core technological competences.
Bekaerts entire product portfolio is centered around
two major technology axes: steel wire transformation
and coatings.

Our customers not only benefit from innovative

products and solutions, they can rely on Bekaerts
proprietary manufacturing processes: we make our
quality products efficiently and on an industrial scale.

Bekaert is unique for its combination of metal

transformation and coating technologies, which has
brought forth a wide variety of products, tailored to
our customers needs.

better together is built on over 130 years of expertise, a tradition of operational excellence, openness to the wider world,
Our primary raw material is wire rod, purchased
and responsiveness to new trends and developments the same factors that make Bekaert world market and technology leader.
from steel suppliers all over the world in 250 different
compositions to produce wire products that meet
the highest expectations.

6
6

Global presence to support

your business

Being part of your solution means being part of your business. Backed by our global presence we can respond
quickly to your needs, wherever you are located.

7
Our sales network is close at hand

European by origin, Bekaert has grown into a global

player active on every continent. You can rely on a
worldwide sales network that is responsive to market
changes. Bekaert believes that its performance is
directly related to the skills and motivation of its
people. You will be working with highly trained and
result-driven professionals whose constant aim is to
create added value for your business. This way, you
get the most from our global reach: our expertise,
our efficiency, our proximity.

Our production network strengthens yours

Because the success of your business is important to

us, we work constantly to strengthen our global
manufacturing footprint. With production facilities
worldwide, we are able to meet the needs of our
customers and our markets quickly and effectively.
We align our facilities with local requirements while
ensuring they conform to our international standards of
quality and safety.
Bekaert is present wherever you do business.
Our Latin American investments date back to the
1950s and we continue to strengthen our strategic
position still further there.
In Asia, we were one of the first companies to
recognize the vast opportunities the Chinese market
has to offer. Today we operate more than 20 sites at
10 locations there. Our Indian, Indonesian and
Malaysian plants are ideally positioned to serve both
the domestic and the broader Asian and Pacific
markets.
When demand grew in Central and Eastern Europe,
we directed our focus to that region too.

Bekaert obviously also maintains strong positions in

North America and Western Europe. But for Bekaert,
close to the customer is about more than geography.
We are guided by your plans, your priorities, and your
approach.

Committed in products and approach

Our commitment to you is not just about product

quality. We also demonstrate this commitment in the
way we meet your needs and desires. We talk to you
about what you want in terms of product quality,
production methods, and processes. Then, products,
planning, delivery performance, and inventory
management are all based around that dialogue.
Our high flexibility enables us to match production
capacity to market demand, working tirelessly to
ensure that our products and our approach are just
what you need.

Driven to excel

Anyone who has worked with Bekaert knows how

committed we are to total quality. We have spent
many decades refining our total quality management
program and expanding it into new areas.
Through benchmarking across locations, divisions,
continents, and teams, we select the best practices
and spread them throughout our worldwide
organization. Total quality management is the
springboard from which we pursue our constant drive
for excellence.
After all, operational excellence is what ensures that
our customers are satisfied.

You can rely on our worldwide production and sales network to meet your needs quickly and effectively.

Where shall we meet?

We are present wherever you are. Backed by Bekaert's global presence and technological support, customers
can benefit from our commitment to local service. You can rely on our worldwide production and sales network
to meet your needs quickly and effectively.

North America

1 600 personnel
Combined sales:
659 million

15%

Back to
the core

Latin America

7 900 personnel
Combined sales:
1 690 million

38%

Wereldkaartq.indd 1

Steady
growth

plants
offices and distribution centers

Financial figures 2012

9
EMEA

6 000 personnel
Combined sales:
1 040 million

24%

Adapting
to change

Asia-Pacific

11 500 personnel
Combined sales:
998 million

23%

Combined sales are sales generated by consolidated companies plus 100%

of sales of joint ventures and associates after intercompany eliminations.

31/03/09 10:43:19

Solidifying
market
positions

10

Developing for tomorrow

Innovation profile
- High investments in R&D
- An international team of 400 R&D specialists
- R&D centers in Belgium and China and development labs worldwide
- Dedicated pilot lines for specific product and process development
- A portfolio of close to 2 000 patents rights
- Market-driven R&D to better serve current and new customer needs
- Open innovation at work: a majority of projects are run in close cooperation with
external partners such as customers, universities, or research centers

11

How we work closely with you

Innovation is a key driver of Bekaerts technological
leadership. We invest highly in technology and
innovation. Our R&D activities are aimed at creating
value for our customers with new products and
applications as well as with innovative production
processes that limit environmental impact and offer
reliable solutions at competitive prices. We team up with
customers and suppliers around the globe to develop,
implement, upgrade and protect both current and future
technologies.

Leadership in technology

At our main Technology Center in Deerlijk (Belgium) and

the Bekaert Asia R&D Center in Jiangyin (China), teams
of highly qualified scientists and engineers work closely
with lead customers. We regularly engage in joint R&D
projects with our customers and suppliers as part of our
consistent endeavor to leverage ideas and knowledge,
expertise and resources to increase our skills and
know-how. Our cooperative projects have resulted in
various successful applications, such as coated elevator
cords for higher fatigue resistance and steel cord with
increased tensile strength for lighter, more durable tires.
We also maximize the synergy across our two core
competences. For example, we apply unique coatings
to impart specific properties to our wire products, like
corrosion-resistance, anti-fouling or aesthetic
appearance. This results in steady growth in our
product offering, in both mature and emerging markets.
Open innovation on a global scale
We also seek international partners for our cooperation
with universities and research institutes. Bekaert
continues to cooperate with academic institutes,
technology clusters as well as research partners from
different countries in order to bring an outside-in
approach. We also consider corporate venturing by

One of the elements that differentiate Bekaert from the

competition is the fact that we have our own engineering
department that designs and develops total plant layouts
and production lines.

investing in companies and venture capital funds

worldwide. But above all, we team up with customers
and suppliers around the world to develop innovations
that matter.
Production processes re-engineered
At Bekaert we have an own engineering department,
which designs, assembles, installs and maintains the
critical equipment for our various production plants
around the world, and which globalizes spare parts
asset management.
Thanks to Bekaerts in-house expertise and thorough
knowledge of our own manufacturing needs, our
production plants are equipped with the most advanced
machines and infrastructure. This, in turn, enables us to
match our production methods to your companys
practices.
We do our utmost to remove hazardous materials from
our production processes, we implement proactive
measures and use equipment with lower energy
consumption and reduced environmental impact.

R&D that spans the globe

At Bekaert, we have the opportunity to perform

extensive R&D because we have built an extended and
truly global R&D organization. Our customers can rely
on us for business or customer-specific projects. The
multi-disciplinary teams working in our technology
platform consist of highly qualified scientists and
engineers from different nationalities, academic
backgrounds and genders. Together with their
colleagues in the engineering department and our
worldwide plants, they tackle technology projects
across different locations. The proximity to our
customers allows us to serve them more efficiently.
Next to our two Technology Centers, business or
customer-specific projects are further supported by
various development labs worldwide.

Our state-of-the-art mechanical, chemical and materials

labs supply fast and accurate test results to support
customer-driven research projects.

12

Idea
generation

Strategic
guidance

Feasability
study

Idea evaluation
& selection

Research
project

Concept
assessment

Development
project

Project
assessment

Technical
Assistance
Market
Introduction

Market-driven R&D is based on a structured, multi-phase innovation process.

They work together on cutting edge projects in

countries across the globe and consist of top class
engineers from all over the world.
Supporting customers with enhanced product
performance
Developing new products is important. But improving
products or providing green alternatives is equally key
for providing our customers a competitive edge in their
market.
Some examples:
- Steel cord reinforced plastics combine excellent
energy-absorption and structural-integrity
characteristics with low manufacturing complexity
and cost. The automotive application opportunities of
these crash resistant, weight reduced components
include bumper beams and body-in-white parts.
- We expanded our portfolio of Dramix fibers for
concrete reinforcement with new steel fibers. The
existing product portfolio was re-branded as the 3D
series. The addition of the new steel fibers in the 4D
and 5D series takes concrete reinforcement to the
next performance class: previously unknown levels of

Innovation matters, more than ever.

R&D is key for Bekaert as it offers our customers the most

innovative solutions and secures our technological leadership
position. We attach particular importance to co-development,
starting from highly specific problems or business situations.

anchorage, tensile strength and ductility guarantee

the best possible solution for an ever wider range of
applications.
- Bekaert heating cord, made from extremely thin and
strong plastic-coated wire, is an alternative approach
to reducing emissions from truck diesel engines.
- Cushion Ultra ropes were developed to serve the
mining industrys dragline equipment. This new,
plastic-enhanced rope ensures a long service life and
reduced equipment maintenance.
- Ecobind is a colored eco-friendly coating for
bookbinding wire. This plant-based coating features
the same properties as petroleum-based coatings
but is 100% compostable in an industrial composting
environment and CO2 neutral.

From emerging idea to the automated

production line

Innovation is a key process at Bekaert. It is a vital part of

our endeavor to ensure that our product portfolio meets
the changing needs of our customers and is ready to
respond to shifts in societal and market trends.
Finding the right idea and then cultivating it into a
product tailored to our customers needs requires a
specific approach.
Our innovation methodology comprises several steps to
ensure that customers benefit from a dedicated and
efficient process. Once an idea gets to the prototype
stage, both our extensive lab facilities and our pilot lines
support the further refinement of the new product.
Speeding up our time to market
Development can also be done via modeling. Using
computer simulation, our developments are designed
and undergo extensive virtual testing. Only when a
development is tried and tested via simulation, a real life
model is produced on pilot lines at the technology
centers, in line with customer requirements. This results
in a faster development process, a significant decrease
in cost and improved customer focus.

13
13

Expanding our horizons since 1880

2012: Partnerships

Bekaert and Southern Steel (Malaysia) establish a joint

venture to combine their steel wire and ropes activities
in South-East Asia. Bekaert and Xinsteel break ground
for a new production plant in Xinyu, Jiangxi Province,
China.

2011: Continued consolidation

Bekaert and its Chilean partners restructure their

shareholding, making Bekaert the principal
shareholder. Bekaert acquires the Qingdao Hansun
steel wire plant from Hankuk Steel Wire Co. Ltd.
(South Korea).

2010: Strategic growth

Bekaert opens its newly built steel cord plant

in Lipetsk, Russia and completes the acquisition
of two Bridgestone tire cord plants.

2008: Inland China

Bekaert concludes a strategic partnership with Ansteel,

a leader in the Chinese steel industry. They invest in a
joint-venture plant in Chongqing in inland China.

2003: Central Europe

Bekaert expands its manufacturing capacity in Central

Europe by acquiring two steel wire plants in Slovakia.

1997: Brazil

In 1997, Bekaert acquires a 45% share in BelgoMineira Bekaert Trefilarias S.A. in Brazil, significantly
strengthening our presence in Latin America.

1996: India and Indonesia

In 1996, Bekaert announces plans to build two plants

in Pune (India) and Karawang (Indonesia), establishing
bases in these growth markets.

1993: China

In 1993, Bekaert takes a significant step in China:

having served customers there for many years,
Bekaert decides to set up a production platform in
conjunction with a Chinese partner.

1988: United States

In 1988, Bekaert builds new manufacturing plants in

Shelbyville (Kentucky) and Rogers (Arkansas), United
States.

1972: Stock Exchange

In 1972, Bekaert goes public and the Bekaert family

opens up the company to new shareholders.
In just a little over two minutes, all available
Bekaert shares are sold.

1950: Latin America

In 1950, Bekaert sets up its first plant in Chile with

local partners.

1880: Leo Leander Bekaert

Leo Leander Bekaert starts a business in Belgium

making barbed wire. Later that year, he develops
his own star-shaped crowns that can be woven
in with the wire. He patents his invention.

14

Your business, our business

Did you know?

- The length of our daily production of tire cord worldwide, is the distance from the earth
to the moon and back.
- Every year, 5 million m concrete is being reinforced with Dramix steel fibers
invented by Bekaert.
- We transform a 4 meter piece of wire rod to a fiber that spans all around the world.
- SiroLock carding wire can catch up to 50% more fibers compared to traditional wires,
which leads to improved carding performance and an increased card productivity.
- Worldwide 1 out of 2 PU timing belts are reinforced with Bekaert fine steel cords.
- The strongest conveyor belt in the world is reinforced with Bekaert steel cord and has
an actual breaking strength of 7800 N/mm.
- Bekaert's customers annually use 3.5 million kilometer of bookbinding wire.

15

34%

Automotive

Driving tomorrows growth

26%

13%

8%

5%

Construction

Building new opportunities

Energy & utilities

Exploring new limits

8%

Consumer goods

7%

Agriculture

Enhancing comfort and convenience

Equipment

Pushing performance

Basic materials

Supporting your industry

Cultivating excellence

16

Eric Demurie Volvo

The automotive sector

A passenger car can contain up to 30 kg of Bekaert wire products.

17

Tire cord

Bead wire

Clutch spring wire

Wire for pierce nuts

in chassis

Hybrid reinforcement
fabric for bumper beams

Suspension spring wire

Diesel particulate filter

media

Wire for wheel weights

Wiper component wire

Power spring wire

(seat recliner)

The automotive sector is the largest user of Bekaert

products, accounting for 34% of our sales.
We set ourselves apart from the competition with
consistent high quality products and innovations
tailored to our customers needs. We supply steel
cord and wire for reinforcing radial tires to nearly all
tire manufacturers in the world: one in four tires
worldwide is reinforced with Bekaert steel cord.
We also supply specialized wire products that meet
the highest quality standards. These include spring
wires, fine cable wires, wires for airbags, wires
and cables for window elevator systems, wires for
windshield wiper arms and blades, and welding
wires.
In this sector, we are constantly striving to make
products of higher quality and doing so without
inflating costs. Bumper reinforcement based on
steel cord and glass fiber is an example of this
commitment. It is an innovative Bekaert application
that combines the strength of steel with a lower
weight, outperforming the existing solutions at a
competitive price. Moreover, it allows for a higher
level of functional integration and offers greater
design possibilities.
Environmental protection and sustainability are
driving forces of innovation in the automotive sector.
Bekaert sees growth opportunities in products
which ensure that solutions last longer or that cars
consume less. We also produce metal fibers for
filtering particulates from diesel exhausts and
heating cord for selective catalytic reduction
systems used to cut emissions.

Helping tire manufacturers in meeting

new regulatory requirements

Heating cord

Steering column profiles

According to the European new tire

regulatory framework for 2012-2020, tires for
cars, vans and trucks produced for this
market after July 2012 have to be classified
and labeled for wet grip, rolling resistance
and noise performance. The objectives of
this new tire labeling system are twofold:
make products performance more
transparent and reduce the CO2 bill through
lower rolling resistance.
This new regulation poses technological
challenges and opportunities for tire makers.
Bekaert helps its customers meet these
challenges by offering a dedicated solution
that contributes to weight and rolling
resistance reduction.

18

The construction sector

Customers in the construction sector choose Bekaert for a wide range of products. In concrete reinforcement, we supply both heavy welded
mesh, as well as Dramix steel fibers, offering customers a complete product portfolio tailored to their needs.

19

Fencing

Dramix steel fibers for

concrete reinforcement

Hoisting cables for

elevators

Environmentally friendly
gas burners & heat exchangers

Bekaert Mesh Track

Wire for guiderails

Bekaert Murfor and

Murfor+

Wire for window mesh

Welded mesh

Rope wire, ropes & PC

strand for bridges

Wire and gabions

for rock protection

Bekaert Bekinox Color

for architectural applications

Civil, residential and industrial construction sectors

put their faith in Bekaert. Our wire, mesh, and fiber
products find applications in construction: in lifts and
burners, fencing and reinforcement, tunnels, roads
and bridges; in architectural solutions and concrete
reinforcement. We are driven by our quest for more
environmentally friendly solutions with a focus on
better materials, greater safety, and lower energy
consumption. We strive for sustainable, cost-efficient
applications with a minimum impact on the
environment. For example, Bekaert supports the
need for greater efficiency in energy consumption
with energy-efficient burners.
We offer customers in the construction sector nails
and nail wire, pre-stressed concrete strands and wire,
and plaster laths and corner protectors, as well as
solutions for erosion protection. Our strong presence
in local markets has triggered a number of new
product developments for specific applications,
including mining. A large share of our sales in Latin
American construction projects is generated by
products that are specifically tuned to local demand.
In mature markets, we are seeing a different pattern
of demand and one that is characterized by higher
quality requirements with, for instance, a trend toward
materials with a high resistance to corrosion or ones
which allow for faster, simpler project completion,
such as Dramix steel fibers. In addition, we support
our customers with a wide range of services, from
consulting to the supply of fiber dosing equipment.

A spectacular example of civil engineering,

the 3 595 meter long Rio Negro bridge in
Amaznia, Brazil, the second largest river
bridge in the world, is tensioned by stay cable
and prestressed strands from Bekaerts joint
venture plants.

20

The energy & utilities sector

Oil and gas remain the biggest resources for energy. The circumstances for oil recovery are increasingly challenging and demand
ever-improved methods and materials. We are perfectly suited to supply energy companies and their contractors with high-quality
solutions like wires and cables for offshore oil exploration, and flat and profiled wires to reinforce offshore pipes.

21

Armoring wire for Remote

Operated Vehicle (ROV)

Strands and ropes for

mooring lines

Bekaert Armofor strips

for injection pipes

Wedge wires for oil and

water filtration

In the oil & gas industry all over the world, Bekaert
products play a key role. Whether it concerns
onshore or offshore oil extraction, gas mining or
power transmission, Bekaert products contribute to
sustainable, safer and more cost-effective
operations.
In addition to its contributions to the production and
distribution of energy, Bekaert is also active in
facilities for telecommunications. Our solutions
include cable reinforcement, wires and cables for oil
and gas drilling and sawing wire to cut solar wafers.
In 2012 we invested in state-of-the art equipment
and further product innovation in high precision
wedge wires. These triangular shaped steel wires
are used to produce wedge screens and filters.
Thanks to their high precision tolerance and
mechanical stability, these complex wires can be
integrated in fine filtration processes for oil & gas as
well as for drinking water.

Bekaert's products give

Armoring wire for
umbilicals

Armoring wire for

subsea cables

our customers access to

innovative technologies
and solutions that allow
them to extract, convey,
produce and distribute

Shaped wires for

flexible pipes

Wire for armoring

cables

Profiled wires

Armoring wire for

subsea telecom cables

Wires for cores for

overhead power lines

Sawing wire to cut

polysilicon

energy and other resources

in an efficient and safe way.
The higher demand on the part of both consumers
and industry for energy, along with the gradual
depletion of energy reserves, open the door to the
use of advanced technologies for the extraction
of energy sources under increasingly difficult
circumstances. Our customers rely on Bekaerts
extensive knowledge of mechanical strengths,
coatings, specific wire forms, and applications to
assist in this domain. Bekaert Armofor composite
strips for example, make a significant contribution to
maintain the output of existing oil sources at the
current level. High pressure flexible thermoplastic
pipes form a cost effective, long lasting solution
when compared to steel pipes in water injection.

22

By combining high strength with specific characteristics, Bekaert wire offers excellent results in situations as varied as wire
for cable ways such as ski lifts and spoke wire.

Consumer goods

Colored champagne
cork wire

Bedding and seating

spring wire

Bookbinding wire

Hook and eye wire

for clothing

Medical and dental

wire

The wide range of applications for Bekaert wire attest

diabetes sampling strips. The consumption of these

to our success in satisfying diverse customer

applications thrives on the increased concern for

requirements. End users discover our wires in a variety

wellness and health.

of coatings, colors and applications including

Global consumerism is the present trend. As higher

champagne cork muselets, paper clips, fishhooks,

quality and comfort standards and functionalities are

staples and spokes, as well as industrial applications like

required, the demand for more advanced coated steel

ski lift cables, inkjet cartridges, heat resistant textiles, and

wire products evolves accordingly.

much more. Besides heatable clothing yarns and

To sum it up: often unseen, but always there: Bekaert is

upholstery spring wires, our products are needed for

a part of the products we all use every day. That is why

springs in electronics and toys. In hospitals wire is used,

we listen to our end consumers. What they want is

for example, in monitoring devices, catheters and

essential, for our customers business and for ours.

23

High strength wire and ropes used for straddle carriers and hoisting cranes.

The equipment sector

Carding solutions for

the textile industry

Wire for retainer rings

Hose reinforcement
wire

Syncrocord steel cords reinforcing synchronous belts

Brush wire

For heavy equipment makers and operators, we supply

an excellent ductility on wire level leading to optimal

a range of specialized wire product components.

fatigue properties on rope level.

These include: fine cord, spring wire and profiled wire,

Our solutions are used both in the machines themselves

high-pressure hose armoring wire, hydraulic filter media,

and in their assembly.

and steel wire and ropes for cranes. Bekaert offers

As Bekaert builds its own proprietary machinery,

customers in the textile industry wires for carding. We

we know exactly what it means to make

also produce high-grade steel wire for the heddles and

high-performance equipment allowing a manufacturing

springs of Jacquard looms.

company to produce goods with a focus on operational

Bekaert produces an extensive range of high carbon

excellence.

rope wire and ropes for hoisting applications, providing

24

At Bekaert, we have been providing the highest quality fencing products to the agricultural industry for over 130 years.
We listen to our customers and develop innovative fencing solutions so you can build a better fence.

The agricultural sector

Bekaert Solidlock
fixed knot

Vineyard wire

Wire for oyster

breeding cages

Auger wire for animal

feed systems

Bekaert Horseman
horse fence

Across the agricultural sector, Bekaert provides

Through our global footprint and our mix of trading and

innovative solutions that facilitate the growing of crops,

manufacture, we can offer total packages to our

the raising of cattle, and the farming of fish and oysters,

customers. Vineyards and other fruit and vegetable

and that make day-to-day work easier. We offer a broad

growers around the world rely on our wire for training

range of wires in terms of diameters and grades for

their vines. We provide more than just wire: we want to

industrial fishing. Our wires offer excellent corrosion

answer all of the sectors requirements: wires, posts,

resistance thanks to Bezinal and other advanced

fencing, tools, shading, joining and tensioning devices.

coatings. We offer traditional wire products, such as

This has turned the one-stop-shop service approach to

barbed wire, as well as fences with specific tensile

our customers into reality.

strength and corrosion resistance requirements, like

Solidlock fixed knot fences.

25

To keep belt rips to a minimum Bekaert has been working with several conveyor belt manufacturers to develop and
integrate a self-protecting conveyor belt: a belt which is reinforced from its inside core, using steel cord.

The basic materials sector

Filtration media
and applications

Fleximat
for conveyor belts

Non-contact drying
systems

Wire and ropes

for mining

Pulp baling wire

Many Bekaert products are used in exploring and

Our stainless steel fibers and media are used in filtration

producing raw materials, from coal and metals to

elements and systems for the manufacturing of synthetic

pulp and paper, to chemicals and textiles. Paper is an

fibers. Bekaert supplies all manner of wire-based

outstanding example of an industry in which Bekaert

products to mines the world over and to almost every

products play a crucial role. From the pre-treatment

step in the value chain. Mining is the starting-point for

of wood pulp to the printing, bundling and recycling of

any natural resource-related process where value is

paper: Bekaerts presence spans the entire value chain

created.

of the paper industry. We make cable and wefts for

conveyor belts that are used across many industries.

26
26

Sustainability is in our DNA

Beliefs and mission

Bekaert believes that, as a company, we derive our strength from the lasting
relationships we forge with our customers, suppliers, and other business partners,
and our clear focus on creating win-win solutions. Our people make the difference.
We believe that the resilience, trust, and integrity they demonstrate in their daily work
generates the power we need to fulfill our mission.
Our mission is:
- To safeguard the future of the company through sustainable profitable growth while
consistently generating adequate returns.
- To be recognized as a world leader in our selected business segments, offering our
customers as their preferred supplier innovative and high-quality products and
services.
- To maintain our position as an employer of choice for the best talent by providing
professional growth opportunities and competitive rewards, thereby reflecting the
value we place on global diversity.

27

The world around us, our shared concern

Bekaerts global Corporate Social Responsibility
strategy is centered on four main pillars, namely our
responsibility in the workplace, in the marketplace,
towards the environment and towards society.

Our responsibility in the workplace

Because our people are our most important asset,

safety comes first, always. Providing a safe working
environment for all employees is key to us. In 2012 we
introduced an assessment system that aims for
improved safety attitude and awareness. We continued
safety audits in a substantial number of plants. In other
plants, we implemented action plans based on the 2011
audits.

Our responsibility in the community and in

our markets

Bekaert strives to be a loyal, responsible partner within

the communities where we operate. We make a point of
interacting with local governments in a transparent,
constructive way and we are firmly committed to
complying with national legislation and collective labor
agreements. Bekaert adheres to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the treaties and recommendations of the International Labor Organization. At
Bekaert, we deal openly and honestly with our business
partners. We comply with generally accepted business
standards, laws and regulations, and we conduct our
operations in accordance with the principles of fair
competition.

environmental impact as well as the production cost for

them. And thirdly, Bekaert also develops products that
contribute to a cleaner environment. To name a few, we
manufacture super and ultra-tensile steel cord that
answers the need for light-weight materials in cars,
stainless steel wedge wires used for oil and water
filtration, cable armoring solutions for green power
transmission, and substitutes for solvent-based
coatings.

Our responsability towards society

Education projects form the backbone of funding and

other community-building activities. Additionally we
support local activities and projects for social, cultural
and economic developments. We believe that education
and learning form the key to a sustainable future. With a
global reach, we support community initiatives that
work to improve societal conditions where we are
active.
Bekaerts CSR report 2012 is based on the GRI
G3 Guidelines regarding the GRI Sustainability
Reporting Framework. Global Reporting
Initiative (GRI) is a non-profit organization that
promotes economic sustainability. Other CSR
related certificates and references valid for the
reporting year 2012 regard Vigeo, Ethibel
Excellence & Pioneer Index and Kempen SRI.

Our responsibility towards the environment

better together for a cleaner world is one of Bekaerts

ambitions: we continuously strive to use fewer materials,
bring down our energy consumption and reduce waste.
Bekaerts concern for the environment is three-fold: on
the one hand we develop new, eco-friendlier production
processes for our plants worldwide. Secondly, Bekaert
invests in product innovations that allow for process
improvements at the production sites of our customers.
Special wire coatings can, for example, eliminate certain
process steps for our customers and hence improve the

Sustainability
Based on the companys beliefs and mission, we defined sustainability as follows:
We acknowledge that our pursuit for sustainable profitable growth must take into consideration the
broader economic, ambient and social impact of our activities.
That is why we integrate the interests of customers, staff, shareholders, communities and other
stakeholders into all aspects of our activities.
Bekaert strives for operational excellence in a manner that is friendly to the surroundings, safe, healthy
and socially responsible. Bekaert invests in clean and energy-efficient infrastructure, production
processes and products. Bekaert always complies with local standards and regulations.

28

Part of your life

06:30

06:45

07:30

12:30

13:15

15:30

your toaster contains Bekaert

Bekanickel wire, for a safe and
healthy breakfast.

the ATM positions your bank card

perfectly thanks to a timing belt
reinforced with Bekaert fine cord,
and its housing contains Bekaert
conductive plastics to avoid
electro-magnetic interference.

Bekaert's strong, ductile wires

and ropes are used for hoisting
applications, such as the cranes
you see every morning.

the woolen carpet of the

airplane you fly on resists static
discharge of electricity with
Bekaert Bekinox spun yarns.

one out of four tires is reinforced

with Bekaert steel cord.
Your car can contain up to 30 kg
of Bekaert wire products.

Bekaert Murfor and Murfor+

reinforce your masonry with a
crack-free solution.
The timing belt in the garage door
is reinforced with Bekaert fine
steel cord.

29

08:00

08:30

09:00

16:45

17:30

18:45

the road you take every day is

reinforced with Bekaert Dramix
and Bekaert Mesh Track.

the spokes of your bike are

made of Bekaert wire.

the elevator in your office may

be equipped with (flat belts
reinforced with) Bekaert cables.

the polymer wrap around your

bouquet of flowers is
manufactured with a filter based
on Bekaert porous metal media.

your office has flawless

electricity supply thanks to
Bekaert armoring wire.
The stationery materials you
are using contain Bekaert
bookbinding wire and staples.

the wire holding the cork of your

sparkling wines is made by
Bekaert. Cheers!

30
30

better together stories

Contents
PLEASED TO MEET YOU
WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER
4 Introducing Bekaert
6 Global presence to support
your business
10 Developing for tomorrow
13 Expanding our horizons
since 1880

The combination of Bekaert

Ducab considers Bekaert

The Bekaert team was

steel cord and our Glass Matt

an important partner in

highly committed, diligent

Reinforced Thermoplastic

supply chain management.

and knowledgeable and

was essential for Polynorm in

Prestigious projects such as

they have deployed all the

order to introduce a solution

the Dubai Metro and Burj

available resources, including

compliant with the latest

Dubai can only be supported

world-class laboratory

automotive safety and impact

by world players like Bekaert.

facilities, for the successful

tests.

Ducab and Bekaert believe in

completion of our technology

Total Quality Excellence; our

partnership which will, no

partnership perfectly

doubt, be highly beneficial to

illustrates the baseline, better

both parties.

Kees van Koert, Director Product

Development at voestalpine Polynorm
Plastics Solutions

16
18
20
22
23
24
25

YOUR BUSINESS,
OUR BUSINESS
The automotive sector
The construction sector
The energy & utilities sector
Consumer goods
The equipment sector
The agricultural sector
The basic materials sector

26
28

THE WORLD AROUND US,

OUR SHARED CONCERN
Sustainability is in our DNA
Part of your life

better together
30 better together stories

together.
Mohamed Yousif Al Ahmedi,
Designation - Purchase Manager Supply chain Ducab

PK Mohamed, Chief Adviser,

Research & Technology, Apollo Tyres

Supporting your business worldwide

Imagine what we can
achieve together ...

NV Bekaert SA
President Kennedypark 18
8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
T +32 56 23 05 11
F +32 56 23 05 43

Would you like to learn more about the solutions we offer?

Are you interested in any of our products or services?
Please dont hesitate to get in touch. We would be delighted
to talk about how we can work together.

Bekaert Corporation
3200 West-Market Street, Suite 303
Akron, Ohio 44333-3326 USA
T +1 330 867 3325
F +1 330 873 3424

www.bekaert.com

Bekaert Corporation
1395 South Marietta Parkway
Building 500, Suite 100
Marietta, Georgia 30067-4440, USA
T +1 770 421 8520
F +1 770 421 8521

July 2013. Responsible editor: Katelijn Bohez

Bekaert Management
(Shanghai) Co., Ltd
17 F, Block E, Waterfront Place
No. 31, Lane 168, Daduhe Road
200062 Shanghai, China
T +86 21 2219 7000
F +86 21 2219 7399

Putting better together into practice

What does customer focus mean in everyday practice? Well tell you about some
product solutions that were the result of fruitful co-development partnerships.
Bekaert and its customers have a long tradition of working in close collaboration around
the world. By becoming part of local economies, Bekaert learned that particular
circumstances require a particular approach. Our case stories are illustrative of the
remarkable successes built on better together, in very diverse industries.