One of the biggest concerns of C. Gerhardt is the close relationship with its customer base. Besides an extensive after-sales service, customer relevant analysis instructions developed in the companie's applications laboratory. The close dialogue with the user is the predominant pre-requisite for offering customer friendly solutions. We have to build a relationship with our customers based on confidence. If he gets to know us as a fair, obliging, and powerful partner, then we are one step ahead of our competitors. This attitude also includes generosity when it comes to little things as well as offering new services. We have to keep working on this philosophy day in and day out. A company cannot survive without the employees providing the best quality available. Our most important task is motivating and educating our employees as well as letting them participate in the success of our company. The problems and tasks we face everyday can only be solved by working together as a team. C. Gerhardt is working hard to maintain our strong position in the market by reacting quickly to the requirements of the market and by minimizing risks. Consideration must always been given to continuity and growth. Employees as well as clients and suppliers benefit from the minimization of the entrepreneurial risks without reducing our flexibility or productivity. Dr. Til Macke Bonn, 13.11.2001 CEO