R&M, a globally active Swiss developer and provider of cabling systems for high-end network infrastructures, based in Wetzikon, is committed to balanced, sustainable growth as well as engaged employees and partners. This is reflected in R&M’s fifth CSR Report, published today. R&M achieved all of its set objectives for the reporting period 2017-2018.
R&M has further embedded its “Values for Success” value system. This serves as a binding set of principles for the responsible conduct of all employees and for the group’s international growth trajectory. Each business year, the company focuses on one value, and workshops are held for the employees to discuss how it will be implemented in the relevant working environments.
In the new report, R&M emphasizes the respectful inter-cultural cooperation between the roughly 1250 employees, nine production sites, and 42 sales organizations worldwide. CEO Michel Riva: “The value system has enabled us to further increase our customer focus, and thereby become more flexible, innovative, and competitive.” The Reichle family’s personal values form the cornerstones of the corporate culture.
The report-produced on a voluntary basis-focuses on the guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and aims to ensure a high degree of transparency for all relevant stakeholders. “The CSR report proves that R&M clearly meets the international standards for responsible entrepreneurship,” explains Michel Riva.
In 2018, R&M was subject to an external audit by the ratings agency Ecovadis. The assessment examines the quality of the involvement of stakeholders and business partners in the supply chain. The agency assesses the CSR strengths of companies in 150 purchasing markets according to 21 indicators. R&M successfully passed the assessment and was subsequently added to the global Supplier Sustainability ratings system.
R&M is not only committed to social engagement in Switzerland, but also in India and Bulgaria. As part of the “Make in India” initiative, R&M is creating modern positions in Bangalore. A new factory was opened there in August 2018, primarily employing women who perform precision work and manufacture glass fiber products.
In Bulgaria, R&M is taking part in the DOMINO project, a government education program for apprentices. R&M is a member of the “Bulgaria Business Forum.” The forum is designed to promote corporate social responsibility. Twenty-two apprentices are employed at the headquarters in Wetzikon. The apprenticeship rate is above the Swiss average.
R&M’s sustainable and active development has also been recognized by the Swiss Venture Club (SVC), with the jury awarding R&M second prize in the “Prix SVC Wirtschaftsraum Zürich 2018” competition. “This award is confirmation that we are on the right path,” says CEO Michel Riva.
