Code of Conduct
General Rules of Conduct
Introduction
Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and promoting responsible and sustainable business practices. This Code of Conduct sets out the fundamental rules of conduct for all employees and includes specific guidelines on modern slavery, child labour and suppliers.
1. General Rules of Conduct
1.1. Legal Compliance
All employees of Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt must comply with applicable laws, regulations and requirements, both in the performance of their duties and in their interactions with customers, suppliers and other business partners.1.2. Ethics and Integrity
Integrity and ethical conduct are fundamental to our corporate culture. We expect all employees to act honestly, fairly and respectfully and to refrain from any actions that could damage the company’s reputation.1.3. Equal Opportunities, Non-Discrimination, Diversity and Inclusion
Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion and encourages all employees to help create an inclusive and respectful working environment that values diversity and is free from discrimination.
We promote a working environment based on equal opportunities, respect and fairness. Discrimination of any kind is not tolerated, whether based on gender, race, ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability or other protected characteristics.1.4. Working Conditions and Health Protection
Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt is committed to providing safe and healthy working conditions. All employees are required to follow the applicable safety guidelines and report potential hazards in the workplace.
1.5. Collective Bargaining and Freedom of Association
As a company without an existing collective bargaining agreement, we respect our employees’ right to organise in trade unions and engage in collective bargaining. We promote freedom of association and encourage open dialogue between management and employee representatives to find solutions that take into account both the interests of the company and the needs of our workforce. We are committed to positive and constructive cooperation in order to ensure a harmonious working environment and fair working conditions.
2. Modern Slavery and Child Labour
2.1. Prohibition of Modern Slavery
Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt rejects modern slavery in all its forms. We do not tolerate forced labour, debt bondage or inhumane working conditions. Every employee is responsible for recognising signs of modern slavery and reporting any suspected cases.
Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt expects its suppliers to uphold the same high ethical standards, particularly with regard to modern slavery, child labour and discrimination. We give preference to suppliers who are committed to sustainable practices and social responsibility.
2.2. Prohibition of Child Labour
We are committed to ensuring that no form of child labour takes place within our company or our supply chains. The employment of persons below the legally prescribed minimum working age is strictly prohibited.
3. Responsible Procurement and Supply Chain
Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt attaches great importance to responsible procurement and encourages its suppliers to promote sustainable practices, fair working conditions and environmental responsibility. Compliance with these standards must be taken into account when selecting and working with suppliers.
4. Whistleblower Protection
Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt encourages all employees to report concerns or suspected violations of this Code of Conduct or other unethical behaviour.
Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt provides a secure and confidential mechanism through which employees can report violations of the Code of Conduct or other unethical practices without fear of retaliation.
We ensure that such reports are treated confidentially and investigated appropriately. No retaliatory action will be taken against employees who report violations in good faith.
5. Compliance with the Code of Conduct
Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including a warning, dismissal or legal action where necessary. The nature of the measures taken will depend on the severity of the violation and the circumstances of the individual case.
Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt will continuously strive to monitor, improve and, where necessary, adapt compliance with these rules of conduct to ensure that we fulfil our commitment to promoting ethical behaviour and social responsibility.
6. Confidentiality and Data Protection
Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt is committed to protecting the confidentiality and privacy of customers and employees, as well as all confidential company information. Employees must handle confidential information responsibly and must not disclose or misuse it without authorisation.
7. Conflicts of Interest
Employees should avoid any situations in which their personal interests could conflict with those of the company. Conflicts of interest must be disclosed, and appropriate measures should be taken to safeguard the company’s integrity and impartiality.
8. Fair Competition
Bribery, corruption and the acceptance of improper benefits are strictly prohibited. Employees must not offer or accept gifts, benefits or payments intended to exert improper influence on business decisions.
9. Environmental Responsibility and Sustainability
Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt is committed to environmentally friendly practices and sustainable development. Employees are encouraged to use resource-efficient processes, minimise waste and promote environmentally friendly alternatives.
10. Working Hours, Breaks and Overtime
Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt respects statutory requirements regarding working hours and breaks. Overtime should only be worked in exceptional circumstances and must be appropriately compensated. Employees are entitled to adequate rest periods to maintain their ability to work effectively.
11. Social Media and Online Conduct
Employees should be aware that their online behaviour can affect the company’s reputation. It is important to use social media and other online platforms responsibly and not to disclose confidential company information or damage the company’s reputation.
12. Communication and Cooperation
We value open and respectful communication as well as cooperative teamwork. Employees should treat others with respect, provide constructive feedback and resolve conflicts in a fair and professional manner.
13. Ethics in Sales and Marketing
All sales and marketing activities must be conducted honestly and transparently. Deceptive, misleading or unethical practices are not acceptable.
Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt conducts its business exclusively on the basis of performance, within the framework of a market economy and free and unrestricted competition. We welcome fair competition and always comply with applicable laws and regulations as well as ethical principles.
No anti-competitive agreements may be made with competitors, suppliers or customers. Where our company holds a dominant market position, we do not abuse it.
14. Data Security and IT Policies
Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt expects all employees to comply with data security and IT usage policies in order to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of company data and IT systems.
15. Workplace Safety
Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt attaches the utmost importance to occupational safety and accident prevention. All employees are required to strictly follow the applicable safety guidelines and procedures, use personal protective equipment and report potential hazards or workplace accidents without delay. Participation in safety training is mandatory in order to strengthen awareness of workplace safety.
15.1. Workplace Ergonomics
Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt strives to provide ergonomic working conditions to promote the well-being and health of its employees. All employees should follow ergonomic principles in the workplace, such as maintaining proper posture, using ergonomic furniture appropriately and taking breaks and incorporating movement into their working day to minimise strain and prevent injuries.
15.2. Hazardous Substances Management
Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt is committed to the safe handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances in accordance with applicable regulations. Employees should be familiar with the correct handling of hazardous substances, receive appropriate training and follow the necessary protective measures to minimise risks.
15.3. Emergency Preparedness and Evacuation Plans
Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt ensures that appropriate emergency preparedness and evacuation plans are in place. All employees should be familiar with these plans, participate in regular drills and be able to respond appropriately in an emergency to ensure their own safety and that of others.
15.4. Health Promotion
Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt promotes the health and well-being of its employees. Health promotion programmes, such as ergonomic training, fitness activities and information sessions on healthy eating, are offered to encourage awareness of a healthy lifestyle and support well-being in the workplace.
15.5. Fire Safety
Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt places great importance on fire safety measures to ensure the safety of all employees. All employees should be familiar with the locations of fire extinguishers, emergency exits and alarm systems. Regular fire drills should be conducted to practise the correct response in the event of a fire. Uncontrolled ignition of fires, blocking escape routes and misuse of fire-fighting equipment are strictly prohibited.
16. Conflict Resolution and Dispute Settlement
It is important to resolve workplace conflicts in a fair and constructive manner. Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt promotes alternative methods of conflict resolution and encourages employees to report conflicts at an early stage and take appropriate steps to resolve them.
17. Further Training and Development Programmes
Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt is committed to providing further training and development programmes to ensure that all employees understand and can comply with the standards and requirements of the Code of Conduct.
18. Compliance with Trade Sanctions and Export Controls
Employees must comply with applicable trade sanctions and export control laws to ensure that no prohibited business activities or transactions take place.
19. Sustainability and Environmental Protection
Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt is committed to promoting environmental sustainability and using natural resources responsibly. We strive to implement environmentally friendly practices throughout our operations and supply chains and to minimise the environmental impact of our activities.
19.1. Resource Conservation
We are committed to minimising the consumption of energy, water and other natural resources. Employees are encouraged to use resources responsibly and support measures to improve efficiency.
19.2. Waste Reduction and Recycling
We aim to reduce waste and implement recycling programmes to recycle waste and make use of reusable materials. Employees are encouraged to actively participate in waste management and support environmentally friendly disposal methods.
19.3. Environmental Sustainability and Renewable Energy
Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt is committed to environmental sustainability and actively promotes the use of renewable energy. We aim to reduce our CO₂ emissions and increase the share of renewable energy used in our operations. Through energy efficiency measures and partnerships with renewable energy providers, we seek to support a low-carbon economy.
19.4. Environmentally Friendly Alternatives
We promote the use of environmentally friendly materials, products and technologies wherever possible and economically viable. When procuring products and services, we place importance on sustainability and environmental compatibility.
Maschinenfabrik Leonhardt will continuously strive to improve its efforts in the field of environmental sustainability and explore innovative solutions to make a positive contribution to environmental protection.