Autumn 2013 www.bannerbatteries.com
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Banner SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
POWERLESS? AUX BATTERIES
SMALL BATTERIES, BIG EFFECTS
AND THE WINNER IS ...
ENVIRONMENTAL PRIZE FOR Banner GERMANY
HOW TO PREVENT SUDDEN足 BATTERY FAILURE.
Banner
THE POWER COMPANY
EDITORIAL
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 automotive manufacturers developed in a most positive manner. Above all, environment-friendly, startstop 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 Technical CEO
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Andreas Bawart Commercial CEO
Banner
BÜFFELPOST
ADAC BREAKDOWN STATISTICS 2012
DISCHARGED BATTERIES ARE THE NO.1 BREAKDOWN CAUSE THE 2012 ADAC BREAKDOWN STATISTICS SHOW THAT REGULAR BATTERY SERVICING CAN PREVENT BREAKDOWNS.
As a rule, starter batteries are maintenancefree. 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. Therefore, drivers must also take a share of the blame. Batteries are often neglected, as they are “maintenance-free”. However, in the case of unfavourableoperating conditions and a negative charging balance, partial discharge can o ccur 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?
avoidance of deep discharge and an examination 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 leadacid 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.
Schmaler: As yet, vehicles with start/stop functions are inconspicuous, as they are simplytoo 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?
Dieter Helmut Schmaler ADAC expert
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
With over 18 million members, the German ADAC is Europe’s largest automobile club.
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Banner
THE POWER COMPANY
BATTERY FAILURE PREVENTION
SUDDENLY POWERLESS? Banner TIPS AS TO HOW YOU CAN AVOID PREMATURE BATTERY FAILURE IN YOUR VEHICLE.
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 returned batteries do not demonstrate product or production defects, but rather premature wear due to discharging. Moreover, the fact that guarantee 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.
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: Install the most powerful battery/capacity possible!
Stationary heating HIFI system, 4-channel amplifier Radio with CD player Air conditioning Engine control/ignition Fuel injection Windscreen heating Passenger compartment fan Front windscreen wipers Radiator fan Headlights Headlight washing system Fog lamps ESP / ABS Steering wheel heating Mobile navigation device
800 W 200 W 60 W 100 W 20 W 100 W 1,000 W 150 W 80 W 500 W 130 W 50 W 100 W 100 W 50 W 10 W
50 W 40 W 40 W 200 W 60 W 40 W 30 W 100 W 2 W 40 W 60 W 180 W 120 W 200 W 250 W
Rear window wiper Rear lights Indicator lights Rear window heating Seat heating Rear fog lights Heated rear-view mirrors Electric windows I-pod Heated washing nozzles Fuel pump Engine management Steering booster pump Oil pump Water pump
Apart from the manufacturer, battery retailers can also reduce the numbers of defect or discharged batteries by adopting the following measures: • First in – first out! Always move the oldest battery forwards and take it out of the warehouse first. • Complete regular checks of the charge status of stocks (3 - 4 months). Do not sell batteries with < 12.50V, but recharge them immediately. • Employ Banner’s installation recommendations during your customer discussions. 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.
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2) THE ORIGINAL BATTERY HAS INSUFFICIENT CAPACITY, OR IS TOO WEAK. For cost reasons, automotive manufacturers are not infrequently installing batteries with insufficient 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: As compared to the original, the capacity of the retrofitted battery should be larger or at least identical. The Power Bull series is ideal for battery refits in vehicles without a start/stop function.
Banner
BÜFFELPOST
3) T HE 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.
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.
Banner TIP: Reconsider the power use in your vehicle and select a Running Bull AGM battery as an alternative.
6) IRREGULAR DRIVING PATTERNS.
StandMobile Stationary Coolbox Audio Video Audio Video Mobile Kühlbox heating heizung
4) T HE COLD START FUNCTION OF THE STARTER BATTERY IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY SEPARATED FROM THE ON-BOARD ENERGY SUPPLY FUNCTION.
Owing to the continuing and still increasing mobilisation of Austrian households, second and third cars are no longer a rarity. However, thesecars 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 chargeretention function.
7) COLD STARTS AS A LOAD TEST.
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.
In outdoor temperatures of below 0°C, the batteries in modern vehiclescan no longer be sufficiently charged and even a wellchargedstarter 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: Orientate your choice of battery purchase primarily according to capacity and not cold starting!
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 m inute prior to the next attempt. Only switch on the lights, heating and radio after successful starting. Always install batteries with the highest possible voltage.
250
Per cent Prozente
200 150 100 50 0
2002
2005
Year Jahr
2010
2012
Energiebedarf Energy requirement
Starting power Startleistung
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Banner
THE POWER COMPANY
The Banner supply chain is targeted on the optimum availability of our products.
PROCESS IMPROVEMENT FOR GREATER CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT – Banner SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT 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 efficiency. In recent years, the demands made on our production and supply network, which includes the branches, have changed radically. For in spite of seasonal sales fluctuations, our customers expect improved service across the board, as exemplified 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 conditions derived from customer wishes have increased considerably. This has repeatedly confronted 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 changed demands that prompted Banner to allocate greater priority to the subject of supply chain management than was previously the case.
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Value added in the supply chain The 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 container 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 spite of constant changes in the operational environment.
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 warehousinglocations. · 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 focus The 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 1. Increased availability through the need- product advantages though availability and oriented control of stocks at both the delivery capacity. 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 Banner‘s supply chain organization Under the coordination of Banner’s Supply Chain Management team, Sales, Logistics and Production pursue the following objectives:
Banner
BÜFFELPOST
FIRST FITTING WITH AUX BATTERIES
SMALL BATTERIES, BIG EFFECTS An increase in the demand for AUX or backup batteries is evident in both the OEM and retrofitting areas. “AUX” is an abbreviation for auxiliaryand designates small AGM batteries, which are installed by automotive manufacturersin vehicles as a “second battery” for a variety of purposes.
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.
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.
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 threefold cycle resistance and owing to recombi nation technology, is entirely maintenancefree. 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.
Apart from the retrofitting market, deliveries of the Banner Running Bull Backup battery
FACTBOX 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°)
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Banner
THE POWER COMPANY
ENVIRONMENTAL PRIZE
AND THE PARTSLIFE ENVIRONMENTAL PRIZE 2013 ... GOES TO Banner BATTERIEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH!
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 Partslife Environmental Prize.
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, including 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,
In addition, the jury also rated highly Banner’s avoidance of waste, environment-protective recycling of residues, power savings and comprehensiveuse 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 meantimeenvironmental 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 significancewith regard to new building regulationsand alterationmeasures.”
AWARDS
15 YEARS WITH Banner:
AN HONOUR FOR DR. GIANFRANCO VASTANO. 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 clientele has been built up in Italy and up to now 1.7 million batteries in proven Banner quality have been sold nationally.
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
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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.
Banner
BÜFFELPOST
Banner Batt ery Service To ol
! W E N
The Banner Battery Service Tool – the indispensable device for battery exchanges
Banner BATTERY SERVICE TOOL
Banner BATTERY SERVICE TOOL – THE INDISPENSABLE DEVICE FOR BATTERY EXCHANGES
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 vehicleswith integrated battery management systemswithout the necessity of workshops investing in a comprehensive diagnosisstation. Changing batteries in modern vehicles with low fuel consumption is becoming increasingly complex. Integrated battery management systems (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 (brakingenergy 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 purposethat 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 involvea special operation. Subsequently, specificmanufacturer 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.
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 c ontract. The target group for the Banner Battery Service Tool consists of vehicle component dealers, tyre retailers, quick-service companies and independent 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 programme at the companies of its partners. Apart from a practical section involving the testing of the device, this will also cover specialistknowhow regarding the current battery trends for start-stop vehicles.
The Banner Battery Service Tool covers the main vehicle makes on Europe’s roads and during pro-
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Banner
THE POWER COMPANY
JUBILEE
Banner CZECH REPUBLIC CELEBRATES ITS 2OTH BIRTHDAY The 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.
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.
“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
Initially, we lacked a PC and therefore I had to complete every document by hand and for lookingafter the accounts, a pocket calculator was the height of electronic luxury.
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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 historyof 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 valuableand of decisive importance to Banner’s further positive development.”
Banner
BÜFFELPOST
PERSONNEL
PAUL MATAREWICZ IS THE NEW NATIONAL SALES MANAGER AT Banner UK 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 e mployee, I immediatelyreceived the impressionthat Banneris 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, followingthis positive start, Paul is clearly lookingforward to his new assignments as the UK’s National Sales Manager.
more often, especially to Italy and Scandinavia.
As far as his hobbies are concerned, Paul (54) stays fit by running and likes to watch FC Watfordof 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
PERSONNEL
GUNNAR BÄR JOINS THE Banner TEAM IN GERMANY As the Neulingen-Göbrichen Branch Manager, Gunnar Bär is responsible for the Baden Würtemberg and Saarland sales region. Gunnarhas a wealth of experience in the sale of electronic goods and was already active internationally,
especially in Eastern Europe and South America. 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.”
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Banner
THE POWER COMPANY
R&D
Banner IMPROVES POWER ABSORPTION THE INCREASING ENERGY NEEDS OF MODERN CARS DEMAND TOP STARTER BATTERY PERFORMANCE.
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 installingunder-capacity, original batteries for reasons of expense.
a number of measures aimed at improving the power intake of car batteries:
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.
Banner’s R&D Department is to soon start work on the further expansion of the possibilities for utilising these modern lead batteries. The primarygoal is the absorption by the battery of the energy available in the vehicle derived from Modern vehicles using start/stop technology braking or downhill driving. This power will then and braking energy recuperation often be provided to the energy management system demonstrate still higher energy needs. Such in order to ease the load on the engine.
In recent years, Banner has already implemented
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• Optimisation of the active mass recipe of the electrodes and various components • Modification of battery design to current demands through a 190mm height • Upgrading of the manufacturing process and the Banner supply chain in order to provide the newest possible batteries with the highest charge levels for vehicle installation
s o-called micro-hybrids are frequently equipped with higher capacity AGM or EFB batteries at the production plant. These batteries are characterisedby particularly high levels of cycle resistance and improved charge acceptance in a partially discharged condition.
Banner
BÜFFELPOST
TRAINING ACADEMY
THE Banner TRAINING ACADEMY Banner INTENSIFIES THE IN-COMPANY TRAINING OF ITS ENTIRE WORKFORCE. 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 framework 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 training During the basic training seminars, company employees are acquainted with the Bannerbrand and the company’s markets and businessareas. From a technical viewpoint, the structureand principal functions of a battery are e xplained. 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. Certificate training During certificate training, the attendees extend the depth of their technical knowledge and subsequentlypossess 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 training During this two-day seminar, national sales managers, branch managers and sales representatives 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 strategiesfor 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 BannerTraining Academy, our employees become THE battery market specialists and should therefore be able to deal with any challenges that arise in future.
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Banner
UNION ALBERNDORF/AUSTRIA
BUFFALO POWER STRIPS FOR YOUNG GOALGETTERS THE 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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THE POWER COMPANY
Banner
BÜFFELPOST
HTL MÖDLING/AUSTRIA
HEADING DOWNSTREAM WITH A RAFT TO BUDAPEST Banner SUPPORTS AN ADVENTUROUS TRIP DOWN THE DANUBE BY THE STUDENTS FROM THE HTL MÖDLING. Franz Gadermeier, the head of the 5BHMEP year at the Mödling HTL (Higher College of Engineering) and his students decided to conclude 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 Technology 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.
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THE POWER COMPANY Banner
THE POWER COMPANY
START NOW. Banner WOULD LIKE TO THANK ITS CUSTOMERS FOR THE EXCELLENT TEAMWORK AND SENDS ITS BEST WISHES FOR A SUCCESSFUL BATTERY SEASON.
IMPRINT: Media owner, publisher: Banner GmbH, Postfach 777, Salzburger Strasse 298, 4021 Linz Telefon +43/(0)732/3888-0, Fax Ext.-21399 Responsible for the contents: Banner GmbH, Andreas Bawart. All rights reserved. Reprints only with written permission. Publishing house location: Linz
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