Supplier Policy

Purchasing must make sure it selects those suppliers that are the best suited to the company's needs, in particular through the in-depth analysis of contracts and goal-setting strategies targeted by purchasing family, and through the application and tracking of rigorous processes based on transparency and equitable treatment, anticipation and prevention of potential risks and taking into account suppliers' capacity for innovation.

Partnerships can be developed with those suppliers most able to understand the company's expectations and structural constraints, such as, the importance of supporting the rollout of contracts to operationals and suppliers.

Purchasing is based on the analysis of the total ownership cost (TOC) to obtain the best economic performance from suppliers, and pays particular attention to making sure the quality of the products and services supplied matches the company's needs. Progress plans may be implemented with certain suppliers to derive the maximum benefit from these two key aspects of the purchasing policy. In the same vein, the company's aim is to implement an active approach to optimizing its supplier base and stepping up its relations with the most efficient suppliers.

Finally, to anticipate and prevent risks that might potentially affect on the company through its relations with its suppliers (financial and economic dependency, exposure to price fluctuations, supply, social and environmental risks), the company has implemented a supplier evaluation and audit procedure. This risk management is quite naturally a part of the company's sustainable development policy.