Saint Gobain - Registration document 2016

A message

from Pierre-André de Chalendar Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saint-Gobain

I n 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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SAINT-GOBAIN - REGISTRATION DOCUMENT 2016

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