Krones wins award for social commitment in China

Krones AG, Neutraubling, Germany, has won the “More than a Market Award” conferred by the Bertelsmann Foundation and the German Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai for its social commitment in China. There was one winner in each of four categories graded by company size. Krones was awarded the prize in the 50-to-500 employees category for its Krones Machinery (Taicang) Co. Ltd facility. There are more than 200 German companies located in the Taicang region, in and around Shanghai.

The citation focused particularly on Krones’ “Apprentice Training Programme”, which offers courses for mechatronic technicians and metal-cutting machine operators. Krones is fostering the tradition of vocational training in China as a way of assuring top-quality work in the production operations, enhancing bonding between the trainees and the company and creating a culture of mutual trust. Almost 40 new staff have been given a permanent job since the programme was launched in Wuhan. Vocational training has meanwhile also begun in the cities of Changzhou and Suzhou, which will result in many more hirings.

Krones received the prize in Shanghai on 25 May 2016 from the hands of Liz Mohn, the Deputy Chairperson of the Bertelsmann Foundation’s Executive Committee. The “More than a Market Award” is an initiative of the Bertelsmann Foundation and the German Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, supported by the German Consulate General in China. The initiative promotes and progresses social commitment by German firms in China. Goals include further improving the good reputation of German business enterprises in China by deepening their roots in Chinese society and creating closer relations and partnerships between German and Chinese organisations and people.