Principles of social responsibility

Foreword

STIHL operates on a sustained basis in the interest of the company, its staff and the community in equal measure. The Group recognises its responsibility as part of society in all the regions in which it operates. STIHL respects the cultural, social, political and legal diversity of societies and nations. The STIHL Group abides by the laws and regulations applicable in individual countries and harmonizes commercial goals with the demands detailed below. These principles are part of STIHL's corporate culture. The employees of the entire STIHL Group conduct themselves accordingly. We expect our business partners to adhere to similar principles.

Human rights

STIHL observes compliance with the internationally proclaimed human rights.

Business World

STIHL embraces the principles of the social market economy and competition, recognizes employees' freedom of association, rejects any form of forced labor or child labor, guarantees equality of opportunity in recruitment and employment, undertakes to maintain – and constantly and purposefully to improve – a high level of safety and health at work, and promotes the integration of physically and mentally handicapped persons.

Environment and energy

STIHL declares its commitment to sustainability in conservation of the environment. The company undertakes to practice a high level of environmental protection and energy efficiency and their continuous improvement - in our company processes and our products. We shall reduce our energy consumption on a long-term basis and use energy economically.

Corruption

STIHL is opposed to corruption, including extortion and bribery.

signed Dr Nikolas Stihl (Chairman of the Supervisory Board of STIHL AG)

signed Dr. Bertram Kandziora (Chairman of the Executive Board of STIHL AG)

How we see ourselves and our corporate policy maxims

The STIHL corporate culture is not a theoretical or static construct, but a living world that has evolved over more than 80 years and is shaped by the people in the Group.

Continuity and core expertise :

Continuity in the way we think and act is a cornerstone of our corporate success. Since the business was founded STIHL has always taken the long-term view, while preserving flexibility and adaptability. The working relationship based on trust between the Executive Board and the owning family guarantees continuity in the firm's strategic orientation. The business is concentrated on the firm's core expertise: developing, producing and marketing chainsaws and power tools

Independent family business :

As a mid-sized family business, STIHL values independence. The pillars of its independence are the legal form of the enterprise, appropriate profit, a high equity share and our own production and marketing subsidiaries. To ensure our continuing independence and planning certainty we pay particular attention to manufacturing, organic growth and developing know-how.

Orientation to the customer :

STIHL is firmly oriented to customers' requirements, because the success of the business ultimately depends on customer satisfaction. To ensure customers get the best possible advice, product familiarization and service all our machines are sold through servicing dealers, according to the motto followed by company founder, Andreas Stihl: "A chainsaw is only as good as its servicing.

Employee-Oriented Management Culture "Succeeding Together" :

As an employer STIHL attaches importance to trained and committed employees and promotes an open, achievement-oriented and employee-oriented management culture. Personal contact is especially important. Education and training have always ranked high at STIHL. Managers are expected to set an example and in particular to implement corporate strategies and values and carry them forward as part of their executive role.

Top quality :

All over the world "Made by STIHL" means top product and process quality. Our high level of development know-how is the foundation of the firm's international technical leadership. STIHL continually demonstrates its world-leading competence with innovations designed to improve functionality, ease of product use, environmental protection and health and safety at work.

International orientation :

STIHL operates internationally and is present on every continent. The Group's global orientation includes not only worldwide marketing but also production locations and competent international suppliers. In that context we take into account the variety of cultural differences in these different places. We pursue a balanced locational policy within the international manufacturing network.

Fairness and responsibility :

STIHL maintains a good relationship with its dealers, suppliers and all other business partners, based on long-term partnership. Fair dealing and good interpersonal relations, both internally and externally, are a major component of business success. Our employees observe the "principles of social responsibility".

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