The Legrand Group was awarded the coveted ‘Responsible Supplier Relations’ mark of approval towards the end of last year (2012), becoming one of the first four companies in France to be granted this recognition. 

Luk Ivens, general manager, Legrand Southern Africa, says, “The Responsible Supplier Relations mark identifies organisations that have demonstrated their commitment to balanced and sustainable supplier relationships. For Legrand, it reflects the group’s sustainable development strategy in which one of the aims is to involve suppliers in its sustainable development approach. This is achieved through greater acknowledgement of social and environmental aspects in supplier assessment. 

“Legrand, which adheres to the 10 commitments for responsible purchasing set out in the charter of inter-company relations, also aims to train and support buyers in raising the level of requirements with regard to supplier selection and to increase their vigilance in terms of environmental performance of proposed products.” 

To meet the Legrand Group’s commitments on sustainable development, one mission of the group purchasing department’s policy is to ensure that long-term, balanced and mutually beneficial relationships are established and developed with its suppliers, as part of a clearly defined relationship. 

The Legrand Group employs over 30 000 people internationally and is present in more than 70 countries. Legrand opened its South African subsidiary in 1985 and has developed a comprehensive distribution network throughout Southern Africa.