w e w i l l s u c c e e d t o g e t h e r

nmcL VET h e N M C m a g a z i n e f o r e m p l o y e e s a n d b u s i n e s s p a r t n e r s

N o . 6 8 – 1 2 / 2 0 0 8

Knightly accoladefor commitment

Additions to the family

A storm tidefull of consequences

p. 3

p. 6

p. 13

Dear Reader,

“Man is the measure of all things” we say, and we are all only too happy to believe it. Ultimately we are human, and as such we would willingly be the center of the universe. Perhaps here lies the root of all evil – do we not all suffer slightly from megalomania? During our constant striving for growth and consumption do we not forget fundamental principles such as “You cannot spend more than you earn”? A look across the big pond at America confi rms this suspicion – basing everything on appearances has been common practice for years. Houses and consumption on credit, newly packaged in non-transparent and highly speculative fi nancial products, close your eyes and go for it! Common sense dictates that this cannot continue successfully. Surprised by the collapse of the house of cards, the world is now fi ghting against the economic consequences. They have overrun borders, markets and trading centers like a storm tide. People are stunned and worried because of course here also they take center stage – vulnerable, insecure and often also despairing. Now it is humanly and urgently necessary for everyone to close ranks. For we as people can make a big difference both in good and in bad times.

Since time immemorial, outstanding people and deeds have been shown particular recognition worldwide. In Germany the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic is awarded, in Russia the Order of Merit for the Fatherland and in Sweden outstanding scientifi c and cultural merit is honored with the North Star medal. In Belgium notable service to society, culture and science is ennobled by the knightly accolade.

Prerequisites for the rise to knighthood were and are still today particular personal qualities such as decency, dignity, loyalty, civility, courage, humility, generosity and constancy. When the royal houses of this world raise one of their subjects to knighthood, these criteria are always a crucial factor. In this tradition the Belgian King Albert II knighted Yves Noël, Chairman and principal shareholder of NMC, for his many and diverse commitments.

You will notice that people are also at the center of this edition of nmc-LIVE. It introduces people, who make a contribution to NMC every single day, and new employees, who further strengthen our group. It shows how, with responsible planning and leadership, successes can be celebrated, crises overcome and responsibility practiced. It is a forum for people, who act in partnership at NMC for and with one another.

“I think, therefore I am” we say. I would like to add, “Only he who thinks ahead will survive!” People have the obligation to act effectively and use the challenges of our time as an opportunity for the future and for innovative approaches.

What do you think about it?

Now it is almost Christmas, the festival of hope and light, an opportunity to pause and refl ect on true values. I wish you and those dear to you warmth and security, confi dence and trust – in human mutual cooperation and a very successful future.

Yours,

Hubert BostenCEO

Knightly accolade for commitment

B Besides his offi ce at NMC, the recently knighted Yves Noël is also President of the Liège HEC Management School, member of the management committee of the Belgian and Walloon trade association and Vice-President of the King Baudouin Foundation. This was established on the occasion of King Baudouin‘s silver jubilee and works on a regional, federal and international level. Through numerous projects, it supports people and institutions campaigning for greater justice, democracy and diversity in society.

Yves Noël is only the second citizen of the German-speaking region of Belgium to be granted this high honor, and one of a total of only 200 people considered as outstanding in Belgium. The patent of nobility will be offi cially presented by King Albert II in the coming year. Until then the freshly knighted Yves Noël must design his own coat of arms for his family, as this is also a part of his new status. Yves Noël himself considers NMC‘s values to be confi rmed by his ennoblement and says gladly, “This is also recognition of what we – and by that I mean all the employees – have achieved over decades through teamwork.”

E D I T O R I A L

4 - 5

Dieter Schäfer is a team player. Whether in the black and white soccer shirt of JSV Ettringen or in a suit in the offi ce, the qualifi ed mechanical engineer and business management graduate wants to achieve great things with his team.

Professionally this means for him always accepting new challenges. Dieter Schäfer has worked for the company since 1997 and, as manager of the NMC Ettringen site, is fully in control of business operations. Not far from Koblenz, 70 employees produce architecture and design products. For team captain Dieter Schäfer the journey is the reward. In the long term he would like to build up his team and be promoted to the next league within the group.

Dieter Schäfer‘s personal team is, in comparison, already complete. Wife Andrea, ten-year old Christina and Julian, who is four years younger, keep the amateur soccer player on the go even during training breaks. When Dieter Schäfer is not spending his free time with his family and friends or following a soccer game, one of Dan Brown‘s thrillers is causing him suspense.

> Which book is on your nightstand right now?Nothing at the moment but usually there is a thriller there.

> What did you last see at the movies?„Die wilden Kerle 5“. It‘s a children‘s movie about soccer. I like taking my children to the movies!

> Which sports do you play? I love soccer but now I only play as a hobby in the JSV Ettringen old boys team.

> What music do you like listening to?I like listening to songs from the 80s but also the latest chart hits. Really I am open to almost all styles of music and was once even a DJ in my spare time.

> If you had three wishes what would they be?First I would wish for peace in the world. Then I would like for no one to go hungry anymore and for everyone to have enough drinking water. I would wish for good health for my family and me.

> What would you like to be doing in ten years time?Our goal is to expand the Ettringen site over the next few years. If we continue to be so successful within the NMC Group, we could employ more than 100 people here. I am committed to this goal.

> What makes you laugh?My children and family often make me laugh. I can also fi nd a good joke or television comedy amusing.

> Who would you like to get to know personally?Nelson Mandela is a fascinating personality, who I would really like to meet some day.

> Your hopes for NMC?I hope that the development of our company continues its successful progress!

D

Who is Who?Dieter Schäfer

6 - 7

NMC Norge AS produces and markets various foam profi les and components, which are used in packaging, sport and recreational activities, industry and in the building trade. As it is well placed for transport, these products can quickly be delivered to customers. Moss airport is directly opposite and a railroad runs along the narrow strips of mainland, as does the expressway, which links the capital Oslo, which is only one hour away from Gothenburg in Sweden. Since the NMC sales offi ce moved from Frederikstad to Rygge, this has been the nerve center from where the motivated team supplies the people of this great country with NMC foam products.

Country life with fast access to the city

We can learn a lot from Sweden. For example, how to celebrate Midsummer Night properly and how to come to terms with long winter evenings. However, not only enchanting children‘s stories come from Sweden, but also pragmatic suggestions on how family friendly some everyday establishments can be. Not to mention the different landscapes, which regularly entice numerous tourists to the north.

Southwest Sweden is well known to many of them. Beyond the coast, not far from Gothenburg, near to idyllic countryside, there are also some small commercial centers. The NMC Cellfoam AB site in Kinnahult is one of these.

In the midst of a wooded hilly landscape near to the friendly little town of Boras, 66 employees produce

By sea, land and airAt one time Norway was only known for cozy pullovers and sturdy ponies. Today the Scandinavian country is above all an important energy supplier. Norway is the third largest exporter of oil in the world and Europe‘s most important source of natural gas. Nature was doubly kind to this region. In addition to the lucrative raw material deposits, the country also has spectacular landscapes and endless sections of coastline. This is also the case for Rygge in Southern Norway, where the 14 employees of NMC Norge AS live. If they want to go to the sea, they can choose between the North Sea in the west and a network of lakes in the east.

They live in different countries, speak different languages and all have the same aim – to make NMC even more successful. And it is becoming ever more so. The NMC family is continually growing and the small team in picturesque Yorkshire is just as important to NMC‘s success as the large team in distant Malaysia. This is because it is important to establish production and sales sites near to customers as it optimizes service and ensures that business partners speak the same language. In this way the NMC international network is becoming increasingly dense.

foam products. Waterproofi ng for building and industry, insulation for the appliance industry, mounting parts for the automotive industry, packaging and products for personal safety such as kneepads or protectors for helmets are amongst the portfolio. The people here are spoilt for choice. They can reach Gothenburg, the second largest city in Sweden, in around half an hour or, alternatively, depending on their temperament and the time of year, enjoy the nearby countryside. They commit their many years of experience and technical know-how in foam processing to NMC all year round.

NMC Sverige AB is situated in Getinge, some distance further to the south. It is now also becoming the new home of NMC Norden AB. At the moment 57 employeeswork here in one plant of an area of more than 15,000 m2. Once the construction of the fi nance department is completed and colleagues from NMC Norden have moved from Halmstad, a total of 65 people will be employed on the site. They run the sales organization for the Swedish, Norwegian and Danish market and manufacture foam sheets and profi les in the extrusion plant, which are used as parquet fl ooring underlay or pallet subdivisions for example. The foam sheets are primarily used for tunnel insulation.

Residents of Getinge are not far from Gothenburg either. In only one hour, goods from the largest export port in Northern Europe and the many industrial concerns can reach the town. In their free time the employees can visit an attractive cultural center with a city atmosphere or make the shorter journey to the coast.

N

SE

SE SE

Norway

Sweden

Malaysia

Great Britain

Additions to the family

NMC-Cellfoam AB Team (SE)Thomas Olsson (SE)

8 - 9

Perseverance to achieve successAlthough a certain breed of small dog takes its name – a more signifi cant economic export of Yorkshire is clearly the locomotive. Robert Stephenson, son of the important railroad pioneer George Stephenson, lived in Darlington, in the heart of Yorkshire, the largest earldom in England. Movies such as “Robin Hood – Prince of Thieves” were partially shot here and tourists love to explore the many castles and palaces or enjoy the beautiful landscape.

One of the smaller market towns around Darlington is Leyburn, home of the Copley Decor Ltd. NMC plant. A total of twelve employees serve the professional market with décor moldings and ceiling centers. The extensive range of polyurethane and polystyrene decoration products offered give builders the option of equipping their rooms with historical features or modern stylistic elements. With their dedication, Copley employees have made the site into an important, nationally competitive market player. This success is perhaps also the result of the staying power of the people of this county, which is historically proven. Richmond Castle, just a few kilometers away from Leyburn is known to have been the last British castle under siege.

NMC Copley Team (GB) Bruce Storr – General Manager - NMC Copley PU Profi le Team (MAL)

Spectacular beaches and commercial centers

Some call it contrast, others simply diversity. From both perspectives, Malaysia offers numerous examples. The capital Kuala Lumpur has both impressive skyscrapers and historic temples. If you travel north from this thriving center on the peninsular, you pass jungle areas, palm plantations and industrial centers.

Kamunting is one of these. The NMC joint venture plant, PU Profi le, is based here. Diversity also plays a particular role for the 213 members of staff. They produce decorative products made of polyurethane for architectural requirements and accessories for water sports such as oars, centerboards and surfboards. This extensive product range requires a variety of skills from the staff in different technical and operational fi elds. Mckinley Soon, Manager of PU Profi le, is proud to be able to compete in the Asia region in this way. “We are pleased that the partnership between PU Profi le and NMC has created added value for both companies.”

The easiest way to visit the new member of the NMC family is to book a fl ight to Penang. The island is an exotic vacation paradise, but also one of the prime locations in Southeast Asia when it comes to the manufacture of computers and electronic appliances. Taking the bridge between the island and the mainland, Kamunting can be reached in one hour by car. Simply the typical diversity of Malaysia.

MALGB

SE

Additions to the family

10 - 11

Energy prices are constantly rising and the public debate about climate and environmental protection continues to grow louder in the face of ecological disasters. The commitment of each individual is needed and companies are also increasingly recognizing the signifi cance of the environment for their corporate culture. It is essential that we leave the environment intact for future generations, and of course make cost savings at the same time. Everyone is agreed on this. But where to start? At this point good intentions often run out of steam but NMC has decided to assume its responsibility.

At the end of 2007 a team from the infrastructure, buying, fi nance and production departments started an ambitious project under the direction of Hermann-Josef Ramjoie. Its fi rst step was to carry out an energy audit supported by specialists from Malmedy. This involved closely examining total consumption of electricity, fuel oil and gas, as well as water and compressed air for the whole plant. The analysis showed considerable potential for making savings, which was summarized in a plan of action.

The logical next step was that in March 2008 NMC signed up to a regional chemical sector industry agreement. A part of this agreement is a three-year plan of action, which sets out seven concrete measures and fi ve potential campaigns. The main point is NMC‘s commitment to reduce, by 2012, CO

2 emissions by 15 percent and

specifi c energy consumption by 7.5 percent, in each case applied to one cubic meter of foam produced. This is an ambitious target, which NMC is steadfastly working towards. The responsibility assumed clearly goes beyond the usual company targets. “Protecting sustainable resources and mitigating the greenhouse effect is what is needed now”, explains Bernd Vorhagen.

Working together for the future

B In order to achieve the ambitious targets, all employees must pull together. There are numerous campaigns on the list, which together promise to have a signifi cant effect. The fi rst one is heat energy, which has already been converted into a more environmentally friendly gas, and ranges from more effi cient lighting, to more economical chargers for forklifts to computers in the offi ces. Optimization of working methods and processes is also a vital part of this. Therefore, a central point is making employees fundamentally more aware of their own responsibility for the success of this project. Each individual must integrate the aspect of saving energy into his everyday work and critically analyze all activities.

Moreover, in the coming months it will be decided whether NMC will supplement its energy saving measures by investing in the use of renewable energies such as photovoltaic equipment or heat pumps. Hermann-Josef Ramjoie‘s team will weigh up the effectiveness of the technical options in an active exchange with colleagues.

NMC is supporting the chemical sector of the Walloon region by carrying out the energy audit and signing up to the industry agreement. The chemical sector has taken up the cause of signifi cantly reducing energy consumption and CO

2 emissions in the next four years. The program also

offers the participating companies considerable tax benefi ts. As a reciprocal gesture, NMC has promised to pay back twice the amount of the benefi ts granted if it does not reach the targets set.

Project team „Energy“ (B)

After many years of buoyant bank lending to risky mortgage borrowers in the USA, since the beginning of 2007 payment defi cits have started to pile up there. Once powerful banks, fi rst in the USA, but a few months later throughout the world, have fallen into the wake of the bankruptcy wave. Depreciations worth billions from failed speculation with investment and mortgage funds have put market prices in a spin and nearly all renowned banks in stormy waters.

Tossed about by the tides, they are now fi ghting against increasing losses and clawbacks from investors. Mutual mistrust is preventing the banks from lending to each other with the consequence that companies and consumers can only obtain credit under diffi cult conditions. The international central banks are pumping several billion into the fi nancial markets, in order to avert the dreaded storm tide of en masse ruin of the banks with dramatic consequences for the economy and consumers.

In addition to the directly affected construction industry, the automotive industry has also felt the effects of the tidal wave due to a slump in sales. It has reduced production and driven the waves further into the automotive supplier industry. Raw material and semi-fi nished part suppliers, commerce, handicrafts and services have not been spared by the storm tide. Since October 2008 work has been underway to clear up after the fl ood in the global economy. Everywhere now it is a matter of rolling up one‘s sleeves and closing ranks. Trusting in one‘s own strength, but also in mutual cooperation is the order of the day.

A storm tide full of consequences

14 - 15

Even the highest waves do not shake the rock in the breakers. We as people learnt this principle from nature and built dykes as protection against storm tides. When built correctly, checked regularly and adapted to the effects of possible changes, they offer that reassuring security on which people rely. They protect and are of use at the same time, because they also help to gain new land.

In times like these, in which the global economy has been overrun by the fi nancial crisis, as if by the fl ood of the century, NMC has persistently protected its shores – to extend the metaphor – for over 60 years now. Even when the waves come crashing in high, as a solid family business NMC wants to and will withstand the onslaught. With a dyke, as with a chain, the weakest spot determines its durability. The main foundation of NMC is its corporate philosophy, which is based on trust and the sustainability of relationships with customers and employees. Low dependence on individual branches of industry strengthens its leading market position. The quality of NMC is equally the priority of the building, furniture, automotive and packaging divisions. The family business‘s clear focus on value and customers, the long-term view of management, a carefully balanced portfolio and consistent striving for effi ciency and improvements are the fundamental parameters for success of the group of companies. The high equity ratio

As solid as a rock

in the breakers

is also a guarantee of trading strength in diffi cult times. This pronounced independence from industries, countries and foreign investment prevents the solid structure from being weakened by economic trends. In conjunction with group-wide controlling, systematic strengthening of the brand identity and consistent environmental orientation, all these components ensure effi ciency and sustainability of the activity and, consequently, resilience of the protective wall in stormy economic times.

During the storm tide caused by the banking and fi nancial crisis and the economic crisis expected as a consequence of this, these measures have to prove their worth. The loss of trust, the prevailing uncertainty, the dwindling purchasing power and the more diffi cult credit conditions are affecting the business of NMC customers. Accordingly, NMC has also been confronted with a reduced number of incoming orders. To withstand the pressure of the breakers, NMC is acting in certain areas with more fl exible and dynamic capacity planning. Temporary work is being planned or cut back at short notice and shifts adapted to order capacities. This active strategy enables effi cient management of customer demand and warehouse stocks. Therefore, NMC is proving itself to be a reliable partner of its long-standing regular customers and employees even in stormy times.

Measures such as these are – when applied to the metaphor of the protective dyke – sand bags, which stabilize the NMC protective wall. Management and employees must also act quickly and in solidarity in the future, so that their dedication leads to the success strived for. Only in this way can the dyke withstand the pressure and stay permanently watertight. Flexibility, continual improvement of processes and high quality services will be required more than ever in the future. Seen in this light, storm tides even bring opportunity, because fast, innovative and solid companies emerge from them stronger.

In order for NMC, its customers, employees and shareholders to have a secure future, combined energy and mutual objectives will be needed. The dyke is resistant, and if everyone lends a hand, it will continue to stand – like an unshakable rock in the breakers. The NMC guidelines promote and require this mutual cooperation: together we are extremely strong – We will succeed together.

16 - 17

Anniversaries 200910 years

20 years

25 years

35 years 40 years

30 years

Further information on the anniversaries and birthdays of colleagues can be found by NMC-employees in the public fi le/human resources department.

D Viktor Heptin B Ronald Fryns B Eric Pasque B Sandra Baguette B Eric Boniver

D Christiane Schambach D Elimar Schlotbohm B Alain Verdenne

D Sieglinde KisselB Ingrid RoderburgN Marit Olsen

D Hans-Jürgen KollingB Margrit Holzweiler

B Isolde ViséB Maurice Aussem

F Jean-Claude Madec F Christian Royer

D Elke Pinger D Götz StrahlB Van Thu Le

B Tom DuppenB Guido DemonthyB Günter Nahl

B Jeanine WaldeyerB Georges MannensB Hermann-Joseph Ramjoie

FIN Berit Rouvari F Sylvie Rossel

Christiane

Schambach

Tom Nyholm

Tom DuppenSieglinde Kissel

Hans-Jürgen

Kolling

Jean-Claude

Madec

Elimar Schlotbohm Marika Lehtonen

Guido DemonthyIngrid Roderburg

Margrit Holzweiler Christian Royer

Alain Verdenne

Günter NahlMarit Olsen

Isolde Visé Maurice Aussem

Brigitte Drosson Roger Berggren

Jeanine Waldeyer

Tien Lang Le Mikael Olssen

Georges Mannens

Neil Mcintosh Stéphane Chatoux

Berit RouvariGötz Strahl

Michel Mosbeux Alain D´Anglejan

Hermann-Joseph

Ramjoie

Elke Pinger

Sune Lindberg

Van Thu Le

B Damien Emonts B Magali Scholl B Benjamin ThevesB Pascal Krügel B Philippe Moutschen

B Brigitte Drosson B Tien Lang LeB Michel Mosbeux

FIN Tom NyholmFIN Marika Lehtonen SE Roger Berggren

B Rosalie Deweerd B Dany Bergmann B Arno Lux B Oktay SicimGB John Robertson

GB Neil McintoshFIN Sune Lindberg

SE Mikael OlssenF Alain D‘AnglejanF Stéphane Chatoux

GB Robert Banks I Sandra Gallo I Daniela Picelli I Massimo Ferrario FIN Eki Heinonen

FIN Martta Kuosmanen SE Karl Johansson SE Nazif Hajra SE Izet Laci SE Milazim Mehaj

SE Habiba Pivalic SE Abesin Zeneli

It is widely accepted that “the work climate is the only climate that you can have an infl uence on yourself”. NMC has now deliberately set itself this task and has systematically captured the atmosphere in the company through a full-scale employee survey. All employees of Eynatten, the largest NMC plant worldwide, were surveyed – from workers to managers. The survey included questions on communication within the company, company policy, the wage structure, working conditions and colleagueship. Eleven subject areas were developed in order to more precisely ascertain well-being in the workplace.

Every fi ve years NMC is obligated by law to consult its employees as part of a risk analysis. Since in recent years growth and change have inexorably led the way at NMC, the company decided to examine the consequences of this change by means of a full-scale survey, in order to identify starting points for improvements, if necessary. Therefore, it seemed natural to combine the once again pending risk analysis with a general satisfaction study.

18 - 19

NMC always has the satisfaction of its staff at heart, since only satisfi ed employees stay motivated and loyal to the company. Job security, nice colleagues, a pleasant working atmosphere, adequate payment, career prospects and advancement are all indicators of job satisfaction. “There are always things that we can improve on” says Roger Kniebs, head of the human resources department, “and accordingly we want to know where the shoe pinches most.”

Consultants from ZebraZone, a qualifi ed partner in the analysis of employee satisfaction, assisted Roger Kniebs and his team. ZebraZone, a well-known specialist in Belgium in the fi eld of employee surveys, developed a scientifi cally established analysis method on the Belgium market together with Ghent University. The whole process at NMC was accompanied by ZebraZone consultants. Extensive interaction by the personnel management and management board on the topics of information, voluntary participation, transparency, motivation and data protection took place in advance. Employees were ensured complete anonymity and confi dentiality, which quickly overcame any initial skepticism. This was possible due to the external consultants and a cleverly devised analysis system, which does not allow any information from fewer than ten people to be analyzed. The very high rate of return of almost 90 percent shows that the employees trust this method and demonstrates how important to them further successful development of the company is.

Compared to the benchmark determined by ZebraZone, the satisfaction of employees at NMC is above the national average in Belgium and therefore confi rms to the company the general approval of its employees. Workers and salaried staff view the areas of motivation, job content and change particularly positively. Slightly below average was feedback on the subjects of professional career, values, culture and pay. The survey therefore showed that employees are satisfi ed but not fully content.

Following analysis of the survey no time was allowed to pass before results from the different areas immediately began to be processed. Representative groups were formed, which worked out approaches and concrete actions within a total of eleven workshops. Here it became clear that it is a matter of the standardized construction of clear communication structures – it is particularly essential that management is more strongly involved in the information process, changes are proactively communicated within the teams and queries and lively exchanges are encouraged. Each employee‘s opinion is tangibly sought, since discussion arises from active queries and intensive feedback from the individual. Demands are also made on NMC employees with regard to colleagueship, “Everyone must consistently set an example of what he expects from others” emphasizes Roger Kniebs. Great importance has always been attached to communication and team spirit at NMC, as well as to quality, effi ciency and productivity – now it is necessary to purposefully propagate these values throughout the group

and bring to life the principle of “We will succeed together”. To give the team‘s already good motivation new impetus, improvements are also being made in the talent management and career planning areas. The main priority is now to develop strategies that do justice to employees‘ suggestions.

“The surveys will in any case be repeated and gradually continued in other branches”, states Roger Kniebs, “Only in this way can we ensure that we are always on the right track.” A plan is in place to repeat parts of the study on an approximately two-year cycle. The time in between will be needed to process and implement the survey results.

At the moment the work climate of NMC branches in England, France and Finland is being captured. The next edition of nmc-LIVE will describe in detail the measures that have been taken as a reaction to the employee survey. nmc-LIVE 10 then introduces the improvement strategies for the area of trade and production at NMC Eynatten.

Good gets better – part 1

20 - 21

They have set a tremendously fast pace. In only 50 years the South Koreans have turned their nation from one of the poorest countries on earth into a global economic player. Although it successfully supplies the whole world with high-tech products, amongst others, it is also a demanding customer. Therefore, builders in Dongil Highvill Lake City were looking for a partner, which could deliver the best quality and stylish design and which at the same time promised to keep to the tight schedule. NMC set itself the task and fi tted out the 1,000 apartments of the enormous new building project with decorative moldings.

Modern home décor with Confucius

ROK Dongil Highvill Co. is one of the largest South Korean building companies with its head offi ce in Seoul. When the company‘s architects planned a high quality residential estate in Daegu, they combined functionality with comfort. As in many of the country‘s fast growing towns, building ground in Daegu in southeast Korea, which has two million inhabitants, is expensive. Therefore, 15-storey residential blocks were built near the river for selected customers. The occupants are housed in a multiple unit apartment complex surrounded by a grand and spacious park. The apartment fi ttings ensure individuality and comfort. This starts with the living space of 100 m2 or more, which itself is a luxury in this lively metropolis, and extends to the stylish design of the rooms. Three different designs of NMC ornamental profi les provide a particular European charm.

The South Koreans have succeeded, through the economic and social development of the last decade, in combining tradition and modernity. In accordance with the country‘s traditional Confucian roots, education is of high importance. Grade school children are already learning English and many of the numerous college leavers have completed a part of their education in Europe or America. For them, stylistic elements from these countries are not fashionable living accessories, but rather natural synergies.

The large order from Asia also triggered a series of synergic effects at NMC. Philippe François, Overseas Sales Manager at NMC, summarizes the signifi cance of the supply of 120,000 meters of Arstyl profi les for him and his team, “Here our company slogan ‘We will succeed together’

once more took on particular meaning. Good organization and the cooperation of all the departments, such as A&D Planning, PU Production and of course our warehouse and shipping departments, made it possible to keep to the tight schedule.”

An estimated television audience of four billion followed the largest sports event in the world with fascination throughout the summer. The Olympics were hosted by China‘s Beijing metropolis where 204 nations lined up to compete against each other in 28 sports and a total of 302 competitions. With 11,128 competitors, the fi rst record of the Olympic Games was set even before the opening ceremony – much to the joy of the host. China had set itself high standards and wanted to excel as a host. The athletes were to fi nd perfect conditions, as the sporting achievements of the 2008 games were to put all previous performances in the shade.

When top athletes compete everything must simply be just right – that applies to both the conditions and the technical equipment. A good example is the fl ooring on which the gymnasts demonstrate their skills. It always looks extremely easy; the athletes catapult their bodies seemingly effortlessly over the square surface during the fl oor program. Salti, fl ickfl acks and gymnastic elements follow one another and seem to completely defy gravity. These few seconds of

competition on the mat are make-or-break. The right surface for these acrobatics plays a part in the athlete‘s success that is not to be underestimated. The material must absorb jumps or reduce hard contact with the earth without permanently distorting. This is the same for all competitors – no matter how many stages the competition has. The material that combines these properties is called NOMALENTM. It is a cross-linked polyethylene foam with a closed cell structure, which not only offers featherweight gymnasts the right surface but can also be made into Running Mats, which apparatus gymnasts use as a run-up.

NOMALENTM, which is produced by Termonova OY in Finland, is a regular and welcome guest at many mass sports events worldwide – always faithful to the Olympic motto “Taking part is everything!”

Taking part is everything

CN

24 - 25

They can‘t teleport goods and clairvoyance is not in their repertoire. However, the NMC offi ce staff does make (almost) everything possible.

A fresh supply of messages has arrived overnight. When Danielle Braem, an offi ce employee at Eynatten, starts up the computer in the morning, the electronic mailbox is already brimming. There‘s not much time to acclimatize. With a steaming cup of coffee by her side, she goes through the emails. She quickly issues the fi rst delivery notes, so that shipping can be planned and her colleagues from the warehouse can put the deliveries together. The telephone is also ringing already. Customers who call at such an early hour usually have urgent requests. The goods were needed yesterday, so the order needs to be sent off immediately. Danielle Braem stays calm and makes sure that the consignment is loaded onto the truck the same day. That usually reduces the caller‘s adrenalin level.

Now comes the fi rst missing goods report. The goods have not reached their destination, or are incomplete. The offi ce starts the search: hunting out the order and delivery note number, checking everything and asking the shipping department for support. If the search is unsuccessful, a repeat order goes out immediately. However, quite frequently a satisfi ed customer calls up a few hours later having found the missing boxes.

The next caller has another problem. He needs labels with special product details. Danielle Braem deals with this immediately, amends the delivery note and brings the documents to the shipping department. She can also help with other customer inquiries. Like her, all offi ce employees speak foreign languages and know their way around the whole product range. They give information on prices, determine availability and advise on packaging. Their job also involves drawing up quotes and presentations.

All orders are entered into the central order processing system, by means of which the departments involved are informed. Now and then offi ce staff discusses

Expertise

and tactfulness

with colleagues from the shipping department how the customer can be offered the quickest and most effi cient service.

Once these matters have been dealt with, the coffee has certainly gone cold. All 65 colleagues who work in the NMC offi ces handle this kind of stress daily. Their jobs are distributed over a total of 21 teams in Europe, Russia and North America. The Belgian site has the largest departments – both in the areas of Architecture & Design/Do It Yourself/Nomawood as well as Nomafoam/Insulation. Irrespective of where and how large the department is, the offi ce staff is the interface between customers, planning, shipping and the warehouse. Danielle Braem cannot imagine a more stimulating job. She really enjoys having contact with different people from many different countries – and making despairing callers into satisfi ed customers.

Danielle Braem (B) Internal sales team (F) Andrey Salatinsky (RUS) Astrid Helmling (D)

Erwin Palm and Arno Lux have walked many miles for a good cause. The two NMC Eynatten employees took part in the fi rst Oxfam Trailwalk in Belgium, during which the four-strong team covered a distance of 100 kilometers in less than 30 hours. In the run up to this athletic challenge they not only had to train intensively, but also collect a minimum 1,500 euro donation for “Oxfam Solidarity”. The money is used to support sustainable projects tackling poverty, injustice and exclusion in different regions of the world in order to give the people there a new chance for a better life.

Erwin Palm was spontaneously inspired by this idea. However, when he wanted to enroll for the Oxfam Trailwalk in March, all the places had already been fi lled. The limit of 150 teams was reached even before the closing date. Fortunately luck was on his side and in May a place became free and Erwin Palm acted at once. Together with Arno Lux and two other acquaintances they formed the “Vennfalken” team and began training. The driving force was the knowledge that this commitment would help people living in poverty in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Near East to improve their future.

“We started with 30 kilometer walks. By the end it was 65 kilometers, which lasted around twelve hours”, recalls Erwin Palm. Whilst the Vennfalken team got used to blisters, friends and family formed the support team. They approached potential sponsors – including NMC – and provided active assistance on the big day with drinks, food and seats during breaks.

Many miles in the name of solidarity

B On the last weekend of August the starting gun was fi red in Eupen at seven o‘clock in the morning and the long walk began. In very summery temperatures the walkers headed towards the checkpoints, where there were refreshments and the data were scanned in. In the afternoon they reached the highest point of their circuit at the Botrange nature center. The next section through the moor landscape of the High Fens proved to be slippery and diffi cult. However, a few enthusiastic people on the roadside spurred on the valiant walkers at the 60 kilometer mark. As it got dark, the participating teams were already widely spaced out from each other and many walkers were exhausted. However, the Vennfalken team braved the darkness, ignored their aching muscles and summoned their last energy reserves.

After 21.5 hours and 100 kilometers covered, they fi nally reached the end in 20th place out of 156 teams. “Our goal and the greatest challenge was to arrive together as a team and within an acceptable time” emphasizes Erwin Palm. This was not an unjustifi ed concern, since more than 50 teams did not achieve the goal. Encouraged by the success of the Vennfalken team, next year NMC will be on the starting line with its own team.

1st and 3rd f.l.t.r.: Arno Lux, Erwin Palm

Central theme of the next nmc-LIVE: Communication

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Impressum nmc-LIVE: Editor: NMC sa, 4731 Eynatten, Belgium · Responsible editor: Hubert Bosten (Responsible in the sense of the press law) · Editorial team: NMC sa, Gert-Noël-Straße, B-4731 Eynatten, Tel: +32 87 85 85-00, Fax: +32 87 85 85-11, redaktion@nmc.eu · Production: impetus.PR, Agentur für Corporate Communi ca tions GmbH, Aachen, +49 241-189 25-0, info@impetus-pr.de · Print: Grenz-Echo, Eupen · Published: twice a year · Circulation: 2.850

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