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. 

2. Telephone

Alternatively, you can call the ombudsmen on working days between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. (CET) at the following numbers:

Country of whistleblower or outgoing call

Telephone number
Germany  0800-8922222
United States 877 803 5575
United Kingdom 0808 238 9592
Czech Republic  0800 088 808
China North 
China South 

10-800-712-2412
10-800-120-2412

Denmark 808 87785

 

3. By post

Another option is to reach the ombudsmen by sending a letter to the following address:

Private/strictly confidential
Mr Markus Brinkmann
Mr Benedict Benz
BDO AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Fuhlentwiete 12
20355 Hamburg
Germany

Please note that this whistleblower system has been set up for reporting compliance-related matters. We kindly ask for your understanding that other concerns cannot be addressed.

 

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 2023
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.
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Environmental Management Compliance

Wanzl Ltd - WEEE Producer Register Limited Number 2788