COMPLIANCE

Whistleblower system

As a high-performance and value-oriented family business, we place high demands on ourselves. Compliance with legal requirements and internal rules is of the utmost importance for Wanzl worldwide. Violations are not tolerated and are consistently pursued by Wanzl everywhere in the world. In order to identify potential violations in good time and to initiate the right measures, Wanzl has established a whistleblower system that can be used by both Wanzl employees and business partners (hereinafter referred to as the “whistleblowers”). The aim is for whistleblowers to draw attention to irregularities in order to enable Wanzl to minimise financial and reputational damage in good time.

Violations of the law may include, for example, the following:

• Bribery / corruption (advantages are granted by Wanzl employees)

• Bribery / corruption (benefits are granted to Wanzl employees)

• Granting advantages to public officials  

• Embezzlement

• Manipulation (selected items) of the annual financial statements or internal reporting

• Violations of antitrust and competition law

• Violations of export control requirements

• Discrimination based on sex, skin colour, ethnic origin, sexual identity, disability, religious affiliation or belief

Who can a whistleblower turn to?

In the event of suspicions, whistleblowers can, on the one hand, contact Wanzl directly (e.g. their supervisor or the Compliance department) or use a reporting channel operated by independent ombudsmen (middlemen) of the auditing company BDO engaged by Wanzl. Information can be reported openly or anonymously. Even if whistleblowers wish to disclose their identity to the ombudsmen, the ombudsmen may, if the whistleblower so wishes, refuse disclosure to Wanzl; this is an important contribution for protecting whistleblowers. 

Wanzl will examine the incoming reports very carefully and follow them up consistently. It is also important not to jump to conclusions and to protect wrongly accused employees from inappropriate sanctions. All in all, a fair process must be maintained for all the parties involved.

 

BDO has appointed the following ombudsmen for receiving reports:

 

Markus Brinkmann, Ombudsman

Markus Brinkmann has many years of experience as an ombudsman and in conducting national and international forensic investigations. In a number of cases, he presented the results personally at Supervisory Board/Management Board/Compliance meetings or at shareholders’ meetings.

Benedict Benz, Deputy Ombudsman

Benedict Benz has experience as an ombudsman and has national and international expertise in handling special forensic investigations in Germany, Asia and the Middle East.

How to submit a report to the ombudsmen:

1. Internet platform


You can reach the ombudsmen at BDO at any time via an Internet-based communication platform. If you wish, you can even remain anonymous to the ombudsmen at BDO and still have an anonymous exchange with them. 

Responsibility in the supply chain – The Wanzl Group policy statement

Entrenching due diligence in the supply chain by legislation is a significant step towards a more responsible and ethical global economy. The aim of this approach is to ensure compliance with human rights and environmental standards in companies’ supply chains. In its policy statement on supply chain due diligence, the Wanzl Group formally pledges to respect human rights.

The Wanzl Group's policy statement is more than just a formal gesture, it is a public commitment and serves as the basis for the systematic integration of due diligence obligations into business processes. In this statement, we outline our strategies, processes and measures aimed at identifying, preventing and mitigating human rights violations and environmental damage throughout the supply chain. This statement is therefore a key tool for strengthening our responsibility and driving positive change towards a fairer and more sustainable global economy. It expresses our awareness that Wanzl wants to make an important contribution to promoting human rights and environmental protection.

Wanzl is committed to respecting human rights throughout the Group. We review this policy statement regularly, but at least once a year, and adapt it to new insights if necessary.

Standards of conduct

For Wanzl, compliance means that all employees abide by the legal provisions, regulatory standards and other ethical standards and requirements set by the company itself. We have summarised the standards and values that apply to all Wanzl co-workers worldwide in the Wanzl Code of Conduct.

Responsible conduct towards co-workers, customers, business partners, the environment and society is the philosophy at Wanzl, and this is inextricably linked with the corporate identity. This reliability is a key reason why Wanzl has been a world leader for many decades and has become a partner to global customers and business partners.

As a family company, we are interested in maintaining a stable working relationship with our business partners, focussing on the exceptional quality of our deliveries and services and a clear commitment to fair conduct.

Learn about our standards and values and download the Wanzl Code of Conduct at:

Compliance / Wanzl Code of Conduct

Opportunity For All...

We work closely with BASE ( British Association for Supported Employment ) helping those far-removed from the job market to secure stable, sustainable work. Supporting BASE with their aims is a priority for us...

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Modern Slavery Statement
We value people above all else, constantly adhering to the highest global standards of ethical trading. To review our Modern Slavery policy, please click the link below.
Gender Pay Report 2024
We're committed to providing all our team with equal access to opportunities and fair levels of remuneration for the contributions that they make to our business, regardless of gender or background. For further detail, please refer to our Gender Pay Report below.
Sales Terms & Conditions
We commit to the highest standards of product and service delivery. Our sales terms and conditions are available for your review below.
Terms & Conditions of Purchase
We commit to the highest standards of sourcing and procurement. Our terms and conditions of purchase are available for your review below.

Environmental Management Compliance

Wanzl Ltd - WEEE Producer Register Limited Number 2788