Saint Gobain - Registration document 2016

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from Pierre-André de Chalendar
A message
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saint-Gobain
In 2016, Saint-Gobain continued with its strategic
roadmap and recorded healthy gains in its profits.
Our efforts in terms of innovation, development
in emerging countries and operational improvements
have been fruitful, supported by generally favorable
circumstances. Despite the sluggishness of the French
market, our activities have gained ground in all our
businesses and major geographical areas of location:
Europe, the United States, but also emerging countries
which, over the course of a few years, have become
key contributors to the growth of our sales and
our profitability.
With a view to maintaining this growth pace, all our
teams are involved in an extensive move to overhaul
the company, impacting all its facets: R&D (proud to
once again rank among the most innovative companies
in the world), industrial investments, human resources,
marketing, etc. The digital transformation is doubtless
the most profound change, with technology also
supporting our highest ambitions. Thanks to digital
technology, Saint-Gobain has undertaken immense efforts
to modernize and robotize its factories. Thanks to digital
technology, the Group has the opportunity to get closer
to its industrial and construction sector customers,
and construction professionals primarily, but also, from
now on, those who provide solutions, such as architects,
and individuals who are sensitive to the comfort and
energy efficiency of their homes.
To establish a relationship with these consumers,
Saint-Gobain has rolled out a brand awareness campaign
aimed at the general public. The Saint-Gobain brand
represents a promise to create materials designed for the
well-being of each of us and the future of all. This promise
is illustrated in the “Multi-Comfort” program, which
ensures the acoustic, thermal and aesthetic qualities
of homes. This commitment is also demonstrated in
our Corporate Social Responsibility (again proud to have
ranked second worldwide in the sector on the Dow Jones
Sustainability Index, from our first participation) and
in our solutions, which promote environmentally-friendly
development.
It is both a commitment of the Group and my personal
commitment to meet the challenges of climate change.
It is our responsibility as a manufacturer to assign an
internal carbon price to our investments and our research
projects, to promote sustainable construction. This is also
a growth factor, since our customers increasingly value
the economic benefits of sustainable solutions. As a result,
Saint-Gobain is transforming constraints associated with
urbanization, demographic growth and resource scarcity
into development opportunities, and is acting as an
exemplary leader.
My hope is that readers will find, in this 2016 Registration
Document, all the facts to convince them of the quality
of the performance of Saint-Gobain, of the ongoing
commitment of all its employees, who I especially wish
to thank, and of their loyalty to the mission of the Group:
to create great living places and to improve daily life.
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