The Hidrostal Group has grown continually over the last 60 years and has a holding structure with headquarters in Neunkirch, Switzerland.

Hidrostal manufactures pumps and parts in Switzerland, Hungary, England, China and Peru and operates its own foundries in Switzerland, Poland and Peru.

Hidrostal has its own distribution companies in Austria, Australia, Belgium, Great Britain, the Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Peru, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, South Africa, the USA and other countries.

The distribution companies serve customers in the local markets. They provide tailored solutions, technical assistance, service and maintenance. Hidrostal employs certified technical specialists, who have extensive experience configuring pumps and who take the unique operating conditions at the installation site into consideration. Depending on needs, the Hidrostal distribution companies supply individual pumps, spare parts as well as complete solutions including control units, fittings, pipes; they also handle assembly.

In addition to its own distribution companies, Hidrostal also has a network of long-standing distribution partners, who distribute the Hidrostal products in select markets

Our quality and environmental policy is based on the requirements of DIN ISO 9001:2015 and the EN ISO 14001:2015 standard as well as on the following aspects

Quality: The quality of our products is an important part of the foundation of our business activities. It is an important criterion for the purchase decision and forms a reliable bond to our customers.

Customer orientation: We are aware that our company's success depends on satisfied customers. Therefore, we strive to understand our customers' current and future needs, meet their requirements and exceed their expectations.

Leadership: Leaders create a match between the purpose and direction of the company. They should create and maintain the internal environment in which individuals can fully engage themselves to achieve the company's goals.

Supplier relationship: Hidrostal and its suppliers are interdependent. Good relationships for mutual benefit increase the ability of both sides to create value.

Continuous improvement: Continuous improvement of quality, customer orientation, management and supplier relations increases the overall performance of the organization and is a permanent endeavor of our company. The goal of our company is to manufacture high quality products in an environmentally friendly way. The satisfaction of our customers is at the center of our efforts to achieve a high level of quality and environmental protection. Our goal is to meet their requirements. We therefore use optimal testing methods with modern testing equipment in quality assurance.

Environmental requirements: Hidrostal takes its responsibility towards the environment very seriously and actively contributes to maintaining the ecological balance. For this purpose we consider and evaluate the environmental aspects of our activities, products and services.

Product life cycle: We assess the impact of our products over their entire life cycle, including their use, energy requirements and disposal. Hidrostal advises its customers on environmental and safety aspects.

Information: By regularly providing our employees with knowledge about environmental aspects, we create the basis for independent and creative action.

Environmental regulations: On our own initiative and responsibility we go beyond legal and official regulations and requirements. We also try to incorporate recognizable future developments in environmental legislation into our current actions.

Investments: When making investments, we decide on the best available technology, as far as the appropriateness remains guaranteed and our financial possibilities allow this. We involve our suppliers in the process of continuous improvement and further development of the environmental management system.

1. Compliance with the law
   
   We comply strictly with applicable laws and regulations. These form the basis for our Code of Conduct.
    
2. Fair competition
   
   We abide by fair competition as determined by a free market economy, thereby ensuring that our work within the Hidrostal Group as well as the work of our external business partners and customers is honestly rewarded.
   
   We do not enter into any agreements with competitors and business partners outside the Hidrostal Group that prevent open and independent competition. In particular, we do not enter into agreements regarding resale prices, we do not abuse a dominant market position and we review any critical obligations in advance (e.g. exclusivity, non-compete obligations, joint ventures).
    
3. Avoidance of conflicts of interest
   
   We avoid situations that might lead to a conflict between the personal and family interests of employees and the interests of the company.
   
   In particular, all activities that compete with the interests of the company are to be avoided. The company’s business opportunities are not used to  the personal benefit of employees.
    
4. Confidentiality and data privacy
   
   We protect the company's confidential business, technical and financial information as it is a very valuable asset. We comply with data privacy laws and respect confidential information belonging to third parties.
   
   Confidential information should only be communicated within the company, and in particular to third parties only if necessary and required for commercial reasons, whereby third parties should normally sign a confidentiality agreement.
   
   When using the internet and e-mail in particular, special attention must be paid to confidentiality and data protection, though without blocking the exchange of information.
    
5. Protection of property and know-how
   
   We treat company property and know-how with care and use it only for business purposes, subject to exemption by the supervisor. We protect the company's property and know-how from misuse.
    
6. No bribery, no corruption
   
   We reject any form of active or passive bribery as well as corruption.
   
   We do not accept or receive any kind of favours (gifts, invitations, trips, cash, benefits, etc.) beyond customary business hospitality.

  Sponsorship and charitable donations are permitted within the framework of local rules.

7. Environment and sustainability
   
   We act in such a way that any negative impact on the environment is minimized. We comply with laws and regulations in the area of environmental protection.
   
   We see ourselves as partners of companies that think and act sustainably. We regard the responsible and sustainable handling of economic, social and material resources as a central aspect of our work.
    
8. Health and safety
   
   The health and safety of our employees, business partners and customers is very important to us. We comply with statutory and internal health and safety regulations.
   
   We strive to contain risks and take the best possible precautions to prevent accidents and occupational disease.
    
9. Prohibition of child labour and compliance with youth protection regulations
   
   Child labour is not tolerated. No persons may be employed who are younger than 15 years (children) or below the statutory minimum age of employment in countries where this is higher than 15 years. 
   
   All legal restrictions regarding the employment of persons under the age of 18 (young people) must be complied with.
    
10. Prohibition of discrimination and harassment
    
    We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on age, gender, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation or disability.
    
    We maintain a respectful and fair relationship with each other and with third parties.
     
11. Fair working conditions
    
    We take our responsibility towards fair working conditions and comply with all provisions under labour law.
    
    We pay wages and salaries at all our locations and agencies at least in accordance with statutory or collectively agreed minimum wages.
    
    We adhere to the working hours stipulated by law or collective agreements.
    
    We offer equal hiring and training opportunities to all employees, regardless of age, gender, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation or disability.
     
12. Transparency
    
    We are committed to transparent action. By means of the necessary transparency, we try to identify and avoid potential conflicts at an early stage.
     
13. Role model function
    
    As employees and in particular as superiors, we set an example in our conduct both within the company and externally. We are aware that we are perceived as a part of the company on a day-to-day basis, including all our actions and statements, and we behave accordingly.
     
14. Business partners outside the Hidrostal Group
    
    As far as we are able to influence this, we strive that our business partners outside the Hidrostal Group, in particular customers, resellers, sales representatives, agents, etc., likewise comply with this Code of Conduct, the accompanying regulations (policies) and our other company principles.
     
15. Adherence to the Code of Conduct
    
    The principles set out in this Code of Conduct and its accompanying policies are main elements of our business culture which all employees are committed to comply with, even if they are more rigorous than the law.
    
    No third parties are used to evade these rules.
    
    All employees are responsible for compliance with the principles, and it is the responsibility of supervisors to ensure at all times that the principles are complied with.
    
    Violation of these principles results in disciplinary action by the company. The nature and extent of the sanctions depend on the degree of violation.
     
16. Reports, questions, comments and confidentiality
    
    Employees who discover violations of laws, the Code of Conduct, accompanying regulations (policies) or other company principles should contact their supervisor, the management or the Board of Directors.
    
    The same applies to questions or comments or if it is unclear whether a specific behaviour is permissible or not.
    
    All reports, questions or comments are treated confidentially. Persons who report incidents are protected. Retaliatory action against employees who report violations in good faith will not be tolerated and will be penalized accordingly.
     
17. Review of the Code of Conduct
    
    This Code of Conduct and the accompanying regulations (policies) are reviewed at regular intervals and in case of special incidents, and they are modified as necessary. Any modifications are communicated promptly to employees and the company’s business partners.

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1 January 2020
Hidrostal Holding AG