Successful community projects in India

Active role of Datwyler employees

What is special about all these initiatives is that our local Datwyler employees take an active role in planning and implementation. To ensure the sustainability of the modernization measures, the local Datwyler cleaning unit takes care of regular cleaning and maintenance of the new premises and infrastructure. As part of the corporate social responsibility program, we also helped with the devastating floods in the southern Indian state of Kerala in 2018. Through a generous donation to the Kerala Relief Fund, Datwyler was able to contribute to the reconstruction of infrastructure.

Successful cooperation with non-governmental organization

Datwyler implemented further projects to improve local infrastructure in cooperation with the non-governmental organization Planet Water. In several neighboring communities, water treatment systems have been installed, system maintenance training has been offered, and children have been made aware of the issues of water conservation and personal hygiene through play. In 2020 alone, we successfully installed four water treatment systems including 24 hand washing stations. These supply over 7’000 people with clean drinking water. The fact that Datwyler cares about the future of children is also reflected in a development program for 5- to 14-year-olds. Together with Krushna Infotech, we ran a camp to help children identify their hidden talents and to support their parents in further advancement.

Emergency aid to deal with the pandemic

Datwyler is also making an important contribution to the global fight against the pandemic. The Indian manufacturing facility supports leading pharmaceutical companies by producing stoppers, plungers and other sealing solutions for the supply of COVID-19 vaccines. Datwyler also supported the residents of the surrounding villages with extensive measures to offer them more security. For this reason, we provided 45 days of food for a COVID treatment hospital and 200 meals a day for underprivileged people. In addition, Datwyler offered its employees the opportunity to be vaccinated on the premises of the Indian facility. We also donated six ventilators for the treatment of COVID-positive patients at the state hospital and supported the relief fund. In addition, Datwyler supplied masks, gloves, disinfectants and medicines to police officers, who are often at higher risk of infection.

Our employees think it's great that their efforts have a positive impact on the community.
Rejeev Naidu
Head of Human Resources

Rajeev Naidu, Head of Human Resources at Datwyler's Indian site, explains in an interview the positive effects of the community projects and the corporate social responsibility program on employees.

Rajeev, isn't participation in community projects an additional burden for employees on top of their existing day-to-day work?: Quite the contrary! The employees volunteer for such projects and think it's great that their efforts have a positive impact on the community. Often the whole team is involved in the community projects and they support each other to achieve the best possible result for their fellow human beings. It should also be noted that the projects often involve improvements in Datwyler's catchment area. Since many employees live in the immediate vicinity of the plant, they can directly improve their lives and those of their families by helping with community projects.
What influence do the community projects have on Datwyler's attractiveness as an employer?: Employee commitment to the community projects is very strong and they are proud to be part of Datwyler. This is also particularly evident in the very low turnover rate and the feeling of togetherness which is clearly noticeable throughout the company.»
Does the initiative also have an effect on the recruitment of new employees?: Absolutely! Thanks in part to the community projects, Datwyler has a very good reputation. This is especially true in the local surroundings, where the improvements can be clearly felt. This makes Datwyler the preferred employer in the region, which is a major advantage when recruiting new employees.
It sounds as though the community projects and the corporate social responsibility program are a complete success. Are there any further activities planned as a result?: Exactly. Other community projects for this year are already being planned. They include installing additional water treatment facilities, renovating and digitizing kindergartens and schools, providing laboratory equipment for a nearby nursing school, and the installation of new toilets in the region.

Enquiries

Guido Unternährer

Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations

guido.unternaehrer@datwyler.com
+41 41 875 19 00

Further information

Strategy

Sustainability