Buepo2013b gb

POWERLESS?

HOW TO PREVENT SUDDEN BATTERY FAILURE.

Banner SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL PRIZE FOR Banner GERMANY

AND THE WINNER IS ...

SMALL BATTERIES, BIG EFFECTS

AUX BATTERIES

www.bannerbatteries.com

Autumn 2013

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Banner THE POWER COMPANY

Dear Reader,

Banner can look back on a turbulent financial year in 2012/13. As far as sales were concerned, we were not quite able to emulate the result of the previous year. However, business with the auto-motive manufacturers developed in a most positive manner. Above all, environment-friendly, start-stop batteries met with an extremely positive response and this market will continue to be of major importance for our company. One gratifying new customer acquisition is the premium producer Porsche and we see this cooperation as offering great future potential.

The exclusive teamwork with the globally renowned DURACELL battery brand is another reason for optimism. Banner has acquired the exclusive marketing rights for DURACELL starter batteries in Europe, Africa and the Near and Middle East. Deliveries of 46 types from four product lines commenced at the beginning of April 2013.

We are also extremely pleased about the various outstanding awards that Banner received during the past financial year, which included a top “very good” rating in the latest battery survey of the Stiftung Warentest and the Partslife Environmental Prize. In addition, the ratings of the German specialist journals “auto motor und sport” and “AutoBild” show that Banner numbers among Europe’s most respected battery brands.

Mag. Thomas Bawart Andreas BawartTechnical CEO Commercial CEO

EDITORIAL

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Banner BÜFFELPOST

As a rule, starter batteries are maintenance-free. Therefore, drivers tend to rely on this fact and do not consider the possibility that the addition of extra energy consumers in their vehicles means that the capacity of the battery is frequently no longer sufficient. Furthermore, that sporadic vehicle use can quickly lead to the partial discharge and permanent damage of the battery. In an interview, ADAC expert, Dieter Helmut Schmaler, provided Banner with an analysis of his organisation’s breakdown statistics for 2012.

Banner: According to the latest ADAC statistics defect or discharged batteries are the no.1 cause of breakdowns. Who bears the main responsibility in this regard, the battery producers, the vehicle manufacturers or the drivers?

Schmaler: For me, the problem in new vehicles lies in their energy management imbalance. Our experience tells us that, subject to the proviso that the dimensions and selection are appropriate for the respective application, first fitted batteries are generally in order. The-refore, drivers must also take a share of the blame . Batteries are often neglected, as they are “maintenance-free”. However, in the case of unfavourable operating conditions and a negative charging balance, partial discharge can occur and at low temperatures residual capacity is frequently insufficient for starting.

Banner: Could you tell us why the majority of battery failures in new vehicles occur in small and medium-sized vehicles rather than in the premium brands?

Schmaler: Today, premium class manufacturers are making major efforts to bring battery management under control. By contrast, the suppliers of mass produced vehicles have not focused on this issue, often for reasons of expense. This situation is exacerbated by further electrical problems such as door contact switches , which also lead to discharged batteries.

Banner: How are modern start/stop batteries impacting the breakdown statistics? Are there related evaluations?

Schmaler: As yet, vehicles with start/stop functions are inconspicuous, as they are simply too new. If the correct battery has been installed , one may assume that it will hold for as long as standard wet batteries in vehicles without a start/stop function.

Banner: In your opinion, what can a producer of quality batteries like Banner do to reduce the occurrence of battery failures on the roads?

Schmaler: I believe that an intensive dialogue with vehicle manufacturers regarding electrical system design and customer enlightenment, which should also take place via the sales network, are both important.

Banner: What can drivers contribute to ensuring that battery failures either do not occur, or only at a much later point in time?

Schmaler: Periodic battery checks, regular recharging in the case of short journey use, the

avoidance of deep discharge and an examinati-on of the entire vehicle electrical system before the winter represent the most important tasks that should be undertaken.

Banner: How do you see the future of the lead-acid battery?

Schmaler: Owing to its robustness, recycling capacity and relatively low cost, the lead-acid battery has several decades to look forward to. I also believe that it possesses sizeable development potential.

DISCHARGED BATTERIES ARE THE NO.1 BREAKDOWN CAUSE

ADAC BREAKDOWN STATISTICS 2012

THE 2012 ADAC BREAKDOWN STATISTICS SHOW THAT REGULAR BATTERY SERVICING CAN PREVENT BREAKDOWNS.

Dieter Helmut SchmalerADAC expert

With over 18 million members, the German ADAC is Europe’s largest automobile club.

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Banner THE POWER COMPANY

According to statistics from the German Automobile Club (ADAC), defective or discharged batteries cause 32 per cent of all breakdowns. Nonetheless, as Europe’s leading club explains, as a rule the battery is not actually the root of the problem, but rather the lack of energy management in modern vehicles.

Banner’s long-term company statistics point to the proven fact that roughly 95 per cent of re-turned batteries do not demonstrate product or production defects, but rather premature wear due to discharging. Moreover, the fact that gu-arantee claims do not apply to such damaged batteries makes their failure even more irritating.

There are seven major reasons for early battery failure, which can be counteracted by simple tips that Banner is pleased to provide.

Apart from the manufacturer, battery retai-lers can also reduce the numbers of defect or discharged batteries by adopting the following measures:

• Firstin–firstout! Always move the oldest battery forwards and take it out of the ware-house first.

• Complete regular checks of the chargestatus of stocks (3 - 4 months). Do not sell batteries with < 12.50V, but recharge them immediately.

• EmployBanner’sinstallationrecommen-dations during your customer discus-sions. The “Book of Power” and the Product Finder on www.bannerbatteries.com provide professional advice.

• Use the Banner tips in your customer argumentation as a response to the various causes of premature battery failure.

SUDDENLY POWERLESS?BATTERY FAILURE PREVENTION

Banner TIPS AS TO HOW YOU CAN AVOID PREMATURE BATTERY FAILURE IN YOUR VEHICLE.

1) MODERN VEHICLES REQUIRE INCREASING AMOUNTS OF ON-BOARD ENERGY.

The demands made on starter batteries are increasing steadily with every new vehicle generation . Indeed, an electrical requirement of over 5,000W and more than 100 e-motors are no longer unusual. The progressive enlargement of vehicle electrical systems and rising energy needs frequently mean that the output capacity of the dynamo is pushed to the limits with the result that the battery is additionally burdened. This often leads to a negative energy balance at the expense of the starter battery and as a final consequence, battery failure due to deep discharge.

Banner TIP: Installthemostpowerfulbattery/capacitypossible!

2) THE ORIGINAL BATTERY HAS INSUFFICIENT CAPACITY, OR IS TOO WEAK.

For cost reasons, automotive manufacturers are not infrequently installing batteries with insuf-ficient capacity. It is often the case that these are even unable to supply power to all the vehicle consumers installed as standard features. If a battery monitoring system is also lacking, then the battery can quickly go into deep discharge without this being registered by the in-board computer and thus suffer lasting damage.

Banner TIP: Ascomparedtotheoriginal,thecapacityoftheretrofittedbatteryshouldbelargeroratleastidentical.ThePowerBullseriesisidealforbatteryrefitsinvehicleswithout a start/stop function.

50 W Rear window wiper40 W Rear lights40 W Indicator lights200 W Rear window heating60 W Seat heating40 W Rear fog lights30 W Heated rear-view mirrors100 W Electric windows2 W I-pod40 W Heated washing nozzles60 W Fuel pump180 W Engine management120 W Steering booster pump200 W Oil pump250 W Water pump

Stationary heating 800 W HIFI system, 4-channel amplifier 200 W Radio with CD player 60 W Air conditioning 100 W Engine control/ignition 20 W Fuel injection 100 W Windscreen heating 1,000 W Passenger compartment fan 150 W Front windscreen wipers 80 W Radiator fan 500 W Headlights 130 W Headlight washing system 50 W Fog lamps 100 W ESP / ABS 100 W Steering wheel heating 50 W Mobile navigation device 10 W

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Banner BÜFFELPOST

3) THE INSTALLATION OF ADDITIONAL POWER CONSUMERS.

It is often the case that energy consumers such as navigation devices, stationary heating systems, multi-media equipment and cold boxes are retrofitted into vehicles. These were not part of the basic vehicle concept and therefore the original battery capacity is no longer sufficient. Under these circumstances, one should ask oneself if all these electrical devices are really needed in the vehicle. In vehicles manufactured after 2002, the replacement of the original battery with an AGM version is generally straightforward. AGMs are powerful and have a threefold cyclical life, which means that they are best able to deal with numerous on-board energy consumers.

Banner TIP: Reconsider the power use in your vehicle and select a Running Bull AGM battery as an alternative.

Audio Video Mobile Stand- heizung

Kühlbox

4) THE COLD START FUNCTION OF THE STARTER BATTERY IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY SEPARATED FROM THE ON-BOARD ENERGY SUPPLY FUNCTION.

During the past three to five years, the energy demand in modern vehicles has rocketed. By contrast, since the introduction of TDI engines at the turn of the 20th century, cold start requirements have virtually stood still. Nonetheless, vehicle power consumption today is twice as high as that of a decade ago. Therefore, battery capacity and not cold starting is now the decisive factor in battery life.

Banner TIP: Orientate your choice of battery purchase primarilyaccordingtocapacityandnotcoldstarting!

5) BATTERIES ARE OFTEN LEFT IN A PARTIALLY DISCHARGED CONDITION.

The more frequently a vehicle battery is discharged, the faster it ages and wears. The service life of a battery with a 20 per cent discharge depth is roughly five times longer than that of a battery with a 50 per cent discharge depth and the ageing process is accelerated when the battery is left in a partially discharged condition for an extended period . Indeed, this can result in the battery failing in its first year of use!

Banner TIP: Extend battery life by external compensatory charging twice a year.

6) IRREGULAR DRIVING PATTERNS.

Owing to the continuing and still increasing mobilisation of Austrian households, second and third cars are no longer a rarity. However, these cars are generally only driven irregularly or over short distances. A negative charging balance at the expense of the starter battery is the result and long standstills in a partially discharged condition can cause additional, sizeable reductions in battery life.

Banner TIP: In the case of seasonally operated vehicles or vehicle use over short distances, employ a charger with a charge retention function.

7) COLD STARTS AS A LOAD TEST.In outdoor temperatures of below 0°C, the batteries in modern vehicles can no longer be sufficiently charged and even a well-charged starter battery only demonstrates a maximum of 80 per cent performance capacity. Furthermore, in temperatures just under zero, the engine requires approximately 50 per cent more starting power and this gap expands still further as the temperature falls.

Banner TIP: Do not try to start for longer than five to ten seconds at one go and allow the battery to recover for a minute prior to the next attempt. Only switch on the lights, heating and radio after successful starting. Always install batteries with the highest possible voltage.

Audio Video Mobile Stationary Coolbox heating

Energiebedarf

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Banner THE POWER COMPANY

For a successful company, the organisation and monitoring of value added in the supplier and customer network is an indispensable structural element. At Banner, an in-house department ensures optimum, company supply chain effi-ciency.

In recent years, the demands made on our pro-duction and supply network, which includes the branches, have changed radically. For in spite of seasonal sales fluctuations, our customers ex-pect improved service across the board, as ex-emplified by shorter restocking times. Naturally enough, these are also to be combined with unchanged high standards of delivery reliability and product quality.

Furthermore, not only our own quality standards have risen steadily over time, but also both the number and complexity of the general condi-tions derived from customer wishes have incre-ased considerably. This has repeatedly confron-ted us with new challenges in the production area and therefore our spending in both this regard and quality assurance has been raised repeatedly in recent years, in order to meet even more stringent requirements. It was these chan-ged demands that prompted Banner to allocate greater priority to the subject of supply chain management than was previously the case.

Value added in the supply chainThe tasks of a supply chain manager include the holistic scrutiny and planning of a company’s supply chain. In our case, this begins with our clientele, which consists of workshops, retailers and OEMs, and extends to our branches and production that includes everything from con-tainer formation and battery assembly to lead dust. The chain terminates with the suppliers of casings, lids and lead.

The planning and optimum guidance of the Banner supply chain allows us to provide our customers with the best possible service, in spi-te of constant changes in the operational envi-ronment.

Banner‘s supply chain organization Under the coordination of Banner’s Supply Chain Management team, Sales, Logistics and Production pursue the following objectives:

1. Increased availability through the need- oriented control of stocks at both the branches and in the plant.

· All products should constantly be in stock, in order to be able to supply customers with the greatest possible speed.

2. Improved delivery capability owing to the

regular balancing of demand with our production capacity.

· Pre-production should be so planned as to ensure that customers can be provided with a sufficient supply of batteries, irrespective of when the winter actually begins.

3. The minimization of battery recharging caused by prolonged storage through regular checks on the size of battery stocks at the warehousing locations.

· Stocks must be organized in a manner that customers can be supplied with batteries possessing our usual quality. Clients should not have to recharge the batteries after only a short time owing to previous prolonged storage.

A customer focusThe defined aim of Banner supply chain management is customer satisfaction. All our resources and actions are clearly directed towards client needs. This is the only means by which we can offer the greatest possible product advantages though availability and delivery capacity.

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT – Banner SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

PROCESS IMPROVEMENT FOR GREATER CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

The Banner supply chain is targeted on the optimum availability of our products.

An increase in the demand for AUX or back-up batteries is evident in both the OEM and retrofitting areas. “AUX” is an abbreviation for auxiliary and designates small AGM batteries , which are installed by automotive manufacturers in vehicles as a “second battery ” for a variety of purposes.

Above all, AUX batteries stabilise the power system voltage in modern vehicles equipped with start-stop functions. Batteries in these cars are subject to special burdens, as they must supply the electricity consumers alone while the engine is switched off. Another reason for the installation of an AUX battery is to provide power to certain extras such as power steering or redundant security systems.

Apart from the retrofitting market, deliveries of the Banner Running Bull Backup battery

are already under way to OEM customers such as BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Volvo. EAST PENN, our joint venture partner in the USA, supplies the roughly 350,000 batteries that are required yearly for this purpose to Banner in Linz, where they are given their finishing touches and then dispatched to the clients.

The small Banner Running Bull Backup battery has exactly the same design as its big AGM “brothers”. As compared to standard starter batteries, the Running Bull Backup has three-fold cycle resistance and owing to recombi-nation technology, is entirely maintenance-free. Like all AGM batteries, it is also leak-proof owing to the fact that its electrolyte is bound into a glass mat. As a consequence, the battery can be installed in a lateral position at a maximum angle of 90 degrees.

SMALL BATTERIES, BIG EFFECTS

FIRST FITTING WITH AUX BATTERIES

Banner RUNNING BULL AGM BACKUP Valve-regulated, nonwoven battery as a backup for start/stop vehicles

Two types available with 9 Ah and 12 Ah capacities

Threefold cycle resistance as opposed to standard starter batteries

Entirely maintenance-free due to recombination technology

Leak-proof due to the electrolyte being bound into an absorbent glass mat (AGM)

Lateral installation possible (max. 90°)

FACTBOX

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Banner BÜFFELPOST

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Banner THE POWER COMPANY

The winners of the Partslife Environment Prize were presented with their awards at a grand gala event on June 13, 2013. This was attended by some 300 branch representatives, inclu-ding Günter Helmchen, the Banner Batterien Deutschland GmbH CEO, who had the pleasure of collecting a prize in the Industry Category. The well-known German musician Peter Maffay, who is the patron of the Environmental Prize, presented the awards to the winners.

Banner has installed photovoltaic systems at three of its German branches, which has resulted in major fossil fuel economies. Indeed,

it was the high savings potential of this project and the far-reaching, positive consequences of a holistic environmental concept that led to the decision to award Banner the prestigious Partsli-fe Environmental Prize.

In addition, the jury also rated highly Banner’s avoidance of waste, environment-protective recycling of residues, power savings and comprehensive use of renewable energies. The implementation of the environmental measures was achieved through good ideas, systematically planned projects and the involvement of the entire workforce.

On the occasion of the awards presentation, Partslife CEO Wolfgang Steube noted that: “The entries submitted showed us that in the meantime environmental protection plays a major role in many areas of the automotive aftermarket . Above all, it is interesting that the topic of energy efficiency is of growing significance with regard to new building regulations and alteration measures.”

To mark 15 years of cooperation with Banner, in June 2013 Dr. Gianfranco Vastano was presented with an award for his services. Dr. Vastano and his team look after the Italian battery market in a

highly successful manner and therefore Banner invited the entire crew to spend a weekend in Austria as a small gesture of gratitude for their efforts to date.

During the past fifteen years, a 70-strong clien-tele has been built up in Italy and up to now 1.7 million batteries in proven Banner quality have been sold nationally.

Apart from Dr. Vastano, Mario Sori also received an award, as he has been involved in activities in the Italian market from the outset and can look back proudly on an impressive total of 600,000 starter batteries sold.

AND THE PARTSLIFE ENVIRONMENTAL PRIZE 2013 ...GOES TO Banner BATTERIEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH!

15 YEARS WITH Banner:AN HONOUR FOR DR. GIANFRANCO VASTANO.

ENVIRONMENTAL PRIZE

AWARDS

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Banner BÜFFELPOST

Banner, which is a leading manufacturer of quality batteries for start/stop vehicles, has now launched the in-house developed Battery Service Tool onto the market. This allows battery changes in modern vehicles with integrated battery manage-ment systems without the necessity of workshops investing in a comprehensive diagnosis station.

Changing batteries in modern vehicles with low fuel consumption is becoming increasingly complex. Integrated battery management sys-tems (BMS) employ sensors to permanently monitor the vehicle battery and provide data to the on-board computer concerning battery charging status, function and age. On the basis of this information, the computer then decides when the engine can be shut down (start-stop function), or the point in time and the volume of charging using available braking energy (braking energy recuperation). When a battery starts to wear, defect warnings are produced, which tell the user that a battery change is imminent. Should the battery be substituted, the vehicle system must also be informed of this fact in order that all functions can be released in the correct manner. It is precisely for this purpose that Banner has developed its Battery Service Tool.

This practical handheld device in connected to the EOBD interface and initially ascertains if a battery change in the vehicle in question will involve a special operation. Subsequently, specific manufacturer defect codes connected to the vehicle battery are read out and all the existing defect codes erased. A built-in battery allows the whole process to function offline and free of downtimes without the help of a WLAN link. In addition, an integrated product finder furnishes information concerning a suitable replacement battery, which is an important criterion for the guaranteeing of maximum battery service life. This function is also available even when the device is not connected to a vehicle.

Prior to the exchange of a vehicle battery, the on-board electrical system must be supported in order to prevent a voltage interruption and hence the laborious resetting of the steering wheel and other similar features. Owing to an integrated adapter, the Service Tool can be connected to the Banner Memory Saver and following the battery change the new battery is read into the vehicle system and the service procedure thus completed.

The Banner Battery Service Tool covers the main vehicle makes on Europe’s roads and during pro-

gramming a focus was placed on the German Audi, BMW, Mercedes and VW brands. Moreover , when the device has been registered with Banner via a specially established website, the user receives free access to all model updates and replacement battery classification data for a year. This data can be loaded using either a removable storage card or the USB connection on the device. Following the expiry of this free period, the user will be offered a service contract.

The target group for the Banner Battery Service Tool consists of vehicle component dealers, tyre retailers, quick-service companies and indepen-dent workshops that apart from battery sales also offer battery changes and do not wish to invest in a comprehensive diagnosis station for all workshop services.

Banner is also using the introduction of Service Tool for battery changes as an opportunity for the completion of a comprehensive training pro-gramme at the companies of its partners. Apart from a practical section involving the testing of the device, this will also cover specialist know-how regarding the current battery trends for start-stop vehicles.

The Banner Battery Service Tool–theindispensable device for battery exchanges

Banner BATTERY SERVICE TOOL – THE INDISPENSABLE DEVICE FOR BATTERY EXCHANGES

Banner BATTERY SERVICE TOOL

Banner Battery Service Tool

NEW!

JUBILEE

Banner CZECH REPUBLIC CELEBRATES ITS 2OTH BIRTHDAYThe Banner branch in the Czech Republic can already look back on a 20-year history . Zdenek Raz, the National Sales Manager , reminisces on Banner’s beginnings in Prague .

“I have been with Banner Czech Republic since the company was launched on August 1, 1993. The first battery store in 1993 consisted of a sheet metal garage without any light, which was guarded by two watchdogs. In fact, I could only go and collect the goods when their owner also came along. After the first three months, we moved into premises in a former chemical

plant opposite our current location in Prague 10. Unfortunately, when it rained hard we quickly discovered that the roof leaked and thankfully in the autumn of 1996, we moved to our new branch office.

Initially, we lacked a PC and therefore I had to complete every document by hand and for looking after the accounts, a pocket calculator was the height of electronic luxury.

Today, this is all difficult to believe, as in the meantime the Banner branch in the Czech Republic has 19 employees and in the 2010/11

financial year we sold a record 142,000 starter batteries. All in all, in the 20-year company history of Banner Czech Republic, our starter battery sales have passed the two million mark.

What I particularly like about Banner are the strong traditions that the Bawart family as the owners have created and cultivated over the years. They have built up a team of dedicated personnel and this teamwork is especially valuable and of decisive importance to Banner’s further positive development.”

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Banner THE POWER COMPANY

Following 24 years of branch experience, of which seventeen were spent as the CEO of a leading UK competitor, Paul Matarewicz has now taken over as the National Sales Manager of Banner UK. As far as his new employer is concerned, Paul has the following to say: “As a former competitor, I can say that Banner always had an excellent reputation among all the customers . Not only with regard to its products, but also as far as client services were concerned.” Paul also stresses that. “As a new employee, I immediately received the impression that Banner is very proud of its products and 75-year history.” He also quic-

kly acquired the feeling that the Banner crew really does work together as a team and that personal commitment is valued. Therefore, following this positive start, Paul is clearly looking forward to his new assignments as the UK’s National Sales Manager.

As far as his hobbies are concerned, Paul (54) stays fit by running and likes to watch FC Watford of which Elton John was once chairman . He is also a passionate cook and at home looks after two cats and two very ancient tortoises. Moreover, if he wasn’t working, Paul says he would like to travel to Europe much

more often, especially to Italy and Scandinavia.

As the Neulingen-Göbrichen Branch Manager , Gunnar Bär is responsible for the Baden Würtem-berg and Saarland sales region. Gunnar has a wealth of experience in the sale of electronic goods and was already active internationally,

especially in Eastern Europe and South Ame-rica. As far as Banner is concerned, Gunnar is highly positive: “What I like first and foremost about the company is that it is family-run and collegial teamwork is a major priority.”

PERSONNEL

PERSONNEL

GUNNAR BÄR JOINS THE Banner TEAM IN GERMANY

PAUL MATAREWICZ IS THE NEW NATIONAL SALES MANAGER AT Banner UK

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Banner BÜFFELPOST

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Banner THE POWER COMPANY

The on-board energy requirement of cars is currently rising steadily. At the same time, automotive manufacturers are cutting back on dynamo capacity and frequently installing under-capacity, original batteries for reasons of expense.

In order to counteract this trend, Banner is endeavouring to constantly further improve the charging capacity of its products. This allows the more efficient absorption of energy from the vehicle generator by the battery and thus the minimisation of the danger of a charging deficit.

In recent years, Banner has already implemented

a number of measures aimed at improving the power intake of car batteries:

• Optimisationof theactivemassrecipeof theelectrodes and various components

• Modification of battery design to current demands through a 190mm height

• Upgradingofthemanufacturingprocessandthe Banner supply chain in order to provide the newest possible batteries with the highest charge levels for vehicle installation

Modern vehicles using start/stop technology and braking energy recuperation often demonstrate still higher energy needs. Such

so-called micro-hybrids are frequently equipped with higher capacity AGM or EFB batteries at the production plant. These batteries are characterised by particularly high levels of cycle resistance and improved charge acceptance in a partially discharged condition.

Banner’s R&D Department is to soon start work on the further expansion of the possibilities for utilising these modern lead batteries. The primary goal is the absorption by the battery of the energy available in the vehicle derived from braking or downhill driving. This power will then be provided to the energy management system in order to ease the load on the engine.

Banner IMPROVES POWER ABSORPTIONR&D

THE INCREASING ENERGY NEEDS OF MODERN CARS DEMAND TOP STARTER BATTERY PERFORMANCE.

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Banner BÜFFELPOST

TRAINING ACADEMY

In order to provide customers with the best possible advice and support, Banner now offers its employees a three-phase educational programme at the in-company Training Academy . All of the roughly 300 employees at the company’s 28 locations are to be trained to become THE experts for lead-acid batteries in Europe, in order to then be able to pass on their knowledge to customers within the frame-work of Banner services. In-company training is held entirely by Banner employees and the know-how imparted is constantly maintained at cutting edge level by repeated requalification seminars.

The three-phase educational programme consists of the following measures:

Basic trainingDuring the basic training seminars, com-pany employees are acquainted with the Banner brand and the company’s markets and business areas. From a technical viewpoint, the structure and principal functions of a battery are explained. In the course of instruction, the

quality criteria and safety measures relating to the handling of lead and battery acid are also clarified in greater detail. Furthermore, during a one-day block, Banner Sales personnel receive an impression of the company’s headquarters in Linz and also meet its executive management. The basic training seminar is completed as soon as possible upon new employees joining the company and is concluded with the award of an entry certificate.

CertificatetrainingDuring certificate training, the attendees extend the depth of their technical knowledge and subsequently possess sufficient competence to be able to give advice regarding battery selection. General technical questions are no problem after certificate training and employees involved in customer contacts, who already fully understand battery construction, may attend this two-day course some four to six months after basic training. A technical trainer from company headquarters carries out the seminar and holds requalification courses at five-year intervals.

Expert trainingDuring this two-day seminar, national sales managers , branch managers and sales repre-sentatives are all turned into battery experts. The know-how derived from expert training allows the processing of all enquiries and the solving of problems. Battery experts represent Banner externally and carry out autonomous customer schooling. The content of the expert training also includes the implementation of strategies for the attainment of sales targets and in addition, the “Active Battery Sales” commercial module, which provides information about new products and the battery market in general, is completed. A technical and a commercial trainer hold the schooling jointly and also provide follow-up seminars at three-yearly intervals.

As a result of ongoing further training at the Banner Training Academy, our employees become THE battery market specialists and should therefore be able to deal with any challenges that arise in future.

THE Banner TRAINING ACADEMY Banner INTENSIFIES THE IN-COMPANY TRAINING OF ITS ENTIRE WORKFORCE.

UNION ALBERNDORF/AUSTRIA

BUFFALO POWER STRIPS FOR YOUNG GOALGETTERSTHE UNION ALBERNDORF JUNIOR SQUAD RECEIVES Banner SPONSORSHIP.

As a Linz-based, family-managed company, Banner also regards the support of children and young people within its region as an important concern. Therefore, the juniors at the Union Alberndorf Football Club have been kitted out with new shirts. These will provide the team with fresh motivation for their upcoming matches under the guidance of their head trainer, who is an employee at Banner headquarters. We wish them every success!

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Banner THE POWER COMPANY

Franz Gadermeier, the head of the 5BHMEP year at the Mödling HTL (Higher College of Engineering) and his students decided to con-clude their fifth school year together with an exciting project. Their idea involved sailing down the Danube from Vienna to Budapest on a self-made, motorised raft. Banner supported this creative idea with the appropriate batteries.

Apart from building the 24m2 raft, the group was also confronted by a number of organisational tasks. Two of the students and their class teacher had to pass the exams for a ship’s patent, as the raft with the Banner batteries on board was not an inflatable dinghy. In addition, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Techno-logy had to consent to this special voyage, which also required the permission of the Slovakian and Hungarian embassies.

Once these bureaucratic hurdles had been overcome, the raft set sail

with its Banner advertising on June 20, 2013 for river trials under the watchful eye of Otto Szabo, the fleet captain of the DDSG Blue Danube shipping line and several days later the big adventure commenced.

The planned route took the students from Vienna to the Hungarian capital via Bratislava, Gabcikovo, Komarom, Esztergom, and the Szentendre Canal, and all in all, the group spent eight days on the Danube with their self-built vessel. In spite of every type of weather capriole and technical and bureaucratic difficulties, the crew arrived safe and sound in Budapest and were able to celebrate the end of their unforgettable adventure in style.

As “The Power Company” we were naturally delighted by this fantastic achievement and the iron will that the youngsters showed in seeing their journey through in spite of all the problems that confronted them.

HTL MÖDLING/AUSTRIA

HEADING DOWNSTREAM WITH A RAFT TO BUDAPESTBanner SUPPORTS AN ADVENTUROUS TRIP DOWN THE DANUBE BY THE STUDENTS FROM THE HTL MÖDLING.

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Banner BÜFFELPOST

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Banner THE POWER COMPANY

START NOW.

www.bannerbatteries.com

IMPRINT: Media owner, publisher: Banner GmbH, Postfach 777, Salzburger Strasse 298, 4021 LinzTelefon +43/(0)732/3888-0, Fax Ext.-21399Responsible for the contents: Banner GmbH, Andreas Bawart. All rights reserved.Reprints only with written permission. Publishing house location: Linz

THE POWER COMPANY

Banner WOULD LIKE TO THANK ITS CUSTOMERS FOR THE EXCELLENT TEAMWORK AND SENDS ITS BEST WISHES FOR A SUCCESSFUL BATTERY SEASON.