Code of Conduct

The Reliable Pressings Code of Conduct is one of the ways we put our values into practice. It’s built around the recognition that everything we do in connection with our work at Reliable Pressings will be, and should be, measured against the highest possible standards of ethical business conduct.

This Code and Reliable Pressings’ values, when followed in good faith, and always bearing in mind that each of us has a personal responsibility to incorporate, and to encourage others in the business to incorporate the principles of the Code and values into our work.

And if you have a question or ever think that one of your fellow Reliable Pressings colleagues or the company as a whole may be falling short of our commitment, don’t be silent. We want – and need – to hear from you.

Who Must Follow Our Code?

We expect all of our employees to know and follow the Code. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment. Moreover, while the Code is specifically written for Reliable Pressings employees and Board members, we expect Reliable Pressings contractors, consultants, and others who may be temporarily assigned to perform work or services for Reliable Pressings to follow the Code in connection with their work for us. Failure of a Reliable Pressings contractor, consultant, or other covered service provider to follow the Code can result in termination of their relationship with Reliable Pressings.

I. Serving our Customers

Our customers value Reliable Pressings not only because we deliver great products and services, but because we hold ourselves to a higher standard in how we treat customers and operate more generally. Keeping the following principles in mind will help us to maintain that high standard:

1. Earning Trust

Trust is earned and it takes consistent behavior. Our reputation as a company that our customers can trust is our most valuable asset, and it is up to all of us to make sure that we continually earn that trust. All of our communications and other interactions with our customers should increase their trust in us. Be honest, be clear and manage expectations.

2. Usefulness

Across any business that we serve we have one guiding principle: “Is what we are offering useful?” and when dealing with each other “Am I being useful?”. If we are not being useful we are not adding value, and adding value to our customers is the reason we exist as a business.

3. Freedom of Expression

Reliable Pressings is committed to advancing privacy and freedom of expression for our staff. We do business in diverse markets, and work with all manner of people. We insist on everyone’s ability to speak their mind, but this must be done whilst maintaining decorum and respect. The ability to freely express views and provide new information to each other allows us to make better and more informed decisions.

4. Responsiveness

Part of being useful and honest is being responsive: We recognize relevant feedback when we see it, and we do something about it. We take pride in responding to communications, whether questions, problems, or compliments. If something is broken, fix it. We do today’s work TODAY!

5. Take Action

Any time you feel our customers aren’t being well-served, don’t be hesitant - let someone in the company know about it. Continually improving our manufacturing and services takes a conscious effort from all of us, and we’re proud that Reliable Pressings takes the initiative to step forward when the interests of our customers are at stake. This is especially important when it comes to quality management.

6. Quality Management

We live and die by our delivery of Quality. Quality encapsulates the reliable delivery of quality workmanship, within promised deadlines, within budget, with no rework and to our customer’s specification, with 100% consistency. Our ISO9001:2015 accreditation does not mean our quality management journey is over, it means we have only just begun. It is imperative that the processes and policies embedded in our Quality Management System are followed without exception. Where opportunities for improvements are identified it is every person’s duty to escalate this opportunity for improvement so that it gets actioned. We do not wait for NCRs to improve our systems.

II. Support Each Other

We are committed to a supportive work environment, where employees have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Members of the Reliable Pressings business are expected to do their utmost to create a workplace culture that is free of harassment, intimidation, bias, and unlawful discrimination.

1. Equal Opportunity Employment

Employment here is based solely upon individual merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. We strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, medical condition or any other characteristics protected by law.

2. Harassment, Discrimination, and Bullying

Reliable Pressings condemns and prohibits discrimination, harassment and bullying in any form – verbal, physical, or visual. If you believe you’ve been bullied or harassed by anyone at Reliable Pressings, or by a Reliable Pressings partner or vendor, we strongly encourage you to immediately report the incident to your supervisor. Similarly, supervisors and managers who learn of any such incident should immediately report it to a director. We will promptly and thoroughly investigate any complaints and take appropriate action.

3. Drugs and Alcohol

As a rule, no staff member may enter the workshops or production area if drugs, alcohol or medication that might impair their alertness have been consumed within the preceding 8 hours. It is compulsory for all staff to submit themselves for the alcohol screening when entering the premises.

Our position on substance abuse is simple: Abuse is incompatible with the health and safety of our employees, and we don’t permit or condone it. Consumption of alcohol at social events is allowed at our offices, to which those attending our year end functions or staff vs management soccer matches can testify, but use good judgment and never drink in a way that leads to inappropriate behavior, endangers the safety of others, or violates the law.

Illegal drugs in our offices are strictly prohibited. If a manager has reasonable suspicion to believe that an employee’s private use of drugs and/or alcohol may adversely affect the employee’s job performance or the safety of the employee or others in the workplace, the manager may request an alcohol and/or drug screening. A reasonable suspicion may be based on objective symptoms such as the employee’s appearance, behavior, or speech.

4. Safe Workplace

We are committed to a violence-free work environment, and we will not tolerate any level of violence or the threat of violence in the workplace. Under no circumstances should anyone bring a weapon to work. If you become aware of a violation of this policy, you should report it immediately. In case of potential violence, contact Security.

5. Family Policy

Reliable Pressings’ regard for the importance of family is part of our business culture. Spouses, partners, better halves and children are all welcome just as long as they adhere to our Occupational Health and Safety Policy.

III. Avoid Conflicts of Interest

When you are in a situation in which competing loyalties could cause you to pursue a personal benefit for you, your friends, or your family at the expense of Reliable Pressings or our customers, you may be faced with a conflict of interest. All of us should avoid conflicts of interest and circumstances that reasonably present the appearance of a conflict.

When considering a course of action, ask yourself whether the action you’re considering could create an incentive for you, or appear to others to create an incentive for you, to benefit yourself, your friends or family, or an associated business at the expense of Reliable Pressings. If the answer is “yes,” the action you’re considering is likely to create a conflict of interest situation, and you should avoid it.

1. Friends and Relatives; Co-Worker Relationships

Avoid participating in management of or decision-making regarding potential or existing Reliable Pressings business relationships that involve your relatives, spouse or significant other, or close friends. This includes being the hiring manager for a position for which your relative or close friend is being considered or being a relationship manager for a company associated with your spouse or significant other.

To be clear, just because a relative, spouse/significant other, or close friend works at Reliable Pressings or becomes a Reliable Pressings competitor or business partner doesn’t mean there is a conflict of interest. However, if you are also involved in that Reliable Pressings business relationship, it can be very sensitive. The right thing to do in that situation is to discuss the relationship with your manager.

Finally, romantic relationships between co-workers can, depending on the work roles and respective positions of the co-workers involved, create an actual or apparent conflict of interest. If a romantic relationship does create an actual or apparent conflict, it may require changes to work arrangements or even the termination of employment of either or both individuals involved.

2. Accepting Gifts, Entertainment, and Other Business Courtesies

Accepting gifts, entertainment, and other business courtesies from a Reliable Pressings competitor, customer or business partner can easily create the appearance of a conflict of interest, especially if the value of the item is significant.

Generally, acceptance of inexpensive “token” non-cash gifts is permissible. In addition, infrequent and moderate business meals and entertainment with customers and infrequent invitations to attend local sporting events and celebratory meals with customers can be appropriate aspects of many Reliable Pressings business relationships, provided that they aren’t excessive and don’t create the appearance of impropriety. Before accepting any gift or courtesy, be aware that you may need to obtain manager approval.

IV. Preserve Confidentiality

Certain kinds of company information, if leaked, can hurt our customers, eliminate our competitive advantage and prove costly in other ways. Our responsibilities extend beyond not revealing Confidential Reliable Pressings material – we must also:

• properly secure, label, and (when appropriate) dispose of Confidential Reliable Pressings material;
• safeguard Confidential information that Reliable Pressings receives from others under non-disclosure agreements;
• take steps to keep our trade secrets and other confidential intellectual property secret.

1. Confidential Information

Our OEM customers trust us and legally bind us to safeguard their information, especially where technical engineering drawings are concerned. Make sure that information that is classified as “Need to Know” or “Confidential” is handled in accordance with Reliable Pressings’ Data Security Policy. At times, a particular project or negotiation may require you to disclose Need to Know or Confidential information to an outside party, this is especially true for machining and profile cutting: Disclosure of that information should be on an “only as needed” basis and only under a non-disclosure agreement. Be sure to conduct the appropriate due diligence and have the appropriate agreement in place before you disclose the information.

2. Reliable Pressings Partners

Just as you are careful not to disclose confidential Reliable Pressings information, it’s equally important not to disclose any confidential information from our partners. Don’t accept confidential information from other companies without first having all parties sign an appropriate Non-disclosure Agreement approved by Legal. Even after the agreement is signed, try only to accept as much information as you need to accomplish your business objectives.

3. Competitors/Former Employers

We respect our competitors and want to compete with them fairly. But we don’t want their confidential information. The same goes for confidential information belonging to any Reliable Pressings’ former employers. If an opportunity arises to take advantage of a competitor’s or former employer’s confidential information, don’t do it. Should you happen to come into possession of a competitor’s confidential information, discard it.

4. Outside Communications

You should ensure your outside communications (including online and social media posts) do not disclose confidential proprietary information or represent (or otherwise give the impression) that you are speaking on behalf of Reliable Pressings unless you’re authorized to do so by the company. The same applies to communications with the press and unions.

V. Protect Reliable Pressings’ Assets

Our future depends on how well we conserve company resources and protect company assets and information.

1. Intellectual Property

You must never use Reliable Pressings’ (or its affiliated entities’) logos, marks, or other protected information or property for any business or commercial venture.

Likewise, respect the intellectual property rights of others. Inappropriate use of others’ intellectual property may expose Reliable Pressings and you to criminal and civil fines and penalties. Please seek advice from management before you solicit, accept, or use proprietary information from individuals outside the company or let them use or have access to Reliable Pressings proprietary information. You should also check with Legal if developing a product that uses content not belonging to Reliable Pressings.

2. Company Equipment

Reliable Pressings gives us the tools and equipment we need to do our jobs effectively, but counts on us to be responsible and not wasteful with the Reliable Pressings equipment we are given. Nobody’s going to complain about the trivial, but company funds, equipment, and other physical assets are not to be requisitioned for purely personal use. If you are not sure whether a certain use of company assets is okay, please ask your manager.

3. Physical Security

If you’re not careful, people may steal your belongings. Always secure your cellphones, laptop, important equipment, and your personal belongings, even while on Reliable Pressings’ premises. Don’t tamper with or disable security and safety devices. If you don’t recognise someone, please ask for identification (and, as appropriate, direct the person to a manager for assistance). Promptly report any suspicious activity to Reliable Pressings Security.

4. Use of Reliable Pressings’ Equipment and Facilities

Anything you do using Reliable Pressings’ electronic facilities (e.g., our computers, mobile devices, network, etc.) or store on our premises (e.g., letters, memos, and other documents) might be disclosed to people inside and outside the company. For example, Reliable Pressings may be required by law (e.g., in response to a subpoena or warrant) to monitor, access, and disclose the contents of corporate email, voicemail, computer files, and other materials on our electronic facilities or on our premises. In addition, the company may monitor, access, and disclose employee communications and other information on our corporate electronic facilities or on our premises where there is a business need to do so, such as protecting employees and customers, maintaining the security of resources and property, or investigating suspected employee misconduct.

5. Employee Data

We collect and store personal information about our staff. Access this data only in line with local law and Reliable Pressings internal policies, and be sure to handle employee data in a manner that is consistent with the laws of the land.

VI. Ensure Financial Integrity and Responsibility

Financial integrity and fiscal responsibility are core aspects of corporate professionalism. This is more than accurate reporting of our financials, though that’s certainly important. The money we spend on behalf of Reliable Pressings is not ours; it’s the company’s and, ultimately, our shareholders’. Each person at Reliable Pressings – not just those in Finance – has a role in making sure that money is appropriately spent, our financial records are complete and accurate, and internal controls are respected and complied with. This matters every time we hire a new vendor, expense something to Reliable Pressings, sign a new business contract, or enter into any deals on Reliable Pressings’ behalf.

To make sure that we get this right, Reliable Pressings maintains a system of internal controls to reinforce our compliance with legal, accounting, tax, and other regulatory requirements in every location in which we operate.

Stay in full compliance with our system of internal controls. What follows are some core concepts that lie at the foundation of financial integrity and fiscal responsibility here at Reliable Pressings.

1. Time is Money

We manage our time by the ethos of “completing Today’s work Today!” this is especially true where our customers are concerned. Whether it is a quote, an RFP or delivery of product, we ALWAYS manage expectations and do not leave customers waiting, ever.

We do not wish to run our business like a concentration camp, and expect our staff to manage their time responsibly. The personal use of cellphones during working hours is a privilege that should not be abused. We have lives outside of our work and sometimes the outside world needs our attention, but too much time spent on personal issues in working hours can lead to uncomfortable discussions that we would prefer not to have, but will if forced to do so. Please be mature in how you use your privileges.

2. Spending Reliable Pressings’ Money

A core Reliable Pressings value has always been to spend money wisely. When you submit an expense for reimbursement or spend money on Reliable Pressings’ behalf, make sure that the cost is reasonable, directly related to company business, and supported by appropriate documentation. Always record the business purpose (e.g., if you take someone out to dinner on Reliable Pressings, always record in our expense reimbursement tool the full names and titles of the people who attended as well as the reason for the dinner) and comply with other submission requirements. If you’re uncertain about whether you should spend money or submit an expense for reimbursement, check with your manager. Managers are responsible for all money spent and expenses incurred by their direct reports, and should carefully review such spend and expenses before approving.

3. Signing a Contract

Each time you enter into a business transaction on Reliable Pressings’ behalf, there should be documentation recording that agreement, approved by the Legal Department. Signing a contract on behalf of Reliable Pressings is a very big deal. Never sign any contract on behalf of Reliable Pressings unless all of the following are met:

• You are authorized to do so. If you are unsure whether you are authorized, ask your manager.
• The contract has been approved by Legal. If you are using an approved Reliable Pressings form contract, you don’t need further Legal approval unless you have made changes to the form contract or are using it for other than its intended purpose.
• You have studied the contract, understood its terms and decided that entering into the contract is in Reliable Pressings’ interest.

All contracts at Reliable Pressings should be in writing and should contain all of the relevant terms to which the parties are agreeing – Reliable Pressings does not permit “side agreements,” oral or written.

4. Recording Transactions

If your job involves the financial recording of our transactions, make sure that you’re fully familiar with all of the Reliable Pressings policies that apply, including our Revenue Recognition Policy and our Purchasing Policy.

Immediately report to Finance any transactions that you think are not being recorded correctly.

5. Reporting Financial or Accounting Irregularities

It goes without saying (but we’re going to say it anyway) that you should never, ever interfere in any way with the auditing of Reliable Pressings’ financial records. Similarly, you should never falsify any record or account, including time reports, expense accounts, and any other Reliable Pressings records.

If you suspect or observe any of the conduct mentioned above or, for that matter, any irregularities relating to financial integrity or fiscal responsibility, no matter how small, immediately report them to Ethics & Compliance.

6. Hiring Suppliers

As Reliable Pressings grows, we enter into more and more deals with suppliers of equipment and services. We should always strive for the best possible deal for Reliable Pressings. This almost always requires that you solicit competing bids to make sure that you’re getting the best offer. While price is very important, it isn’t the only factor worth considering. Quality, service, reliability, and the terms and conditions of the proposed deal may also affect the final decision. Please do not hesitate to contact the Purchasing Team if you have any questions regarding how to procure equipment or services.

7. Retaining Records

It’s important that we keep records for an appropriate length of time. Keep in mind that legal requirements, accounting rules, and other external sources sometimes specify longer retention periods for certain types of records, and those control where applicable. In addition, if asked by Legal to retain records relevant to a litigation, audit, or investigation, do so until Legal tells you retention is no longer necessary. If you have any questions regarding the correct length of time to retain a record, contact Legal.

VII. Obey the Law

Reliable Pressings takes its responsibilities to comply with laws and regulations very seriously and each of us is expected to comply with applicable legal requirements and prohibitions. While it’s impossible for anyone to know all aspects of every applicable law, you should understand the major laws and regulations that apply to your work. A few specific laws are easy to violate unintentionally and so are worth pointing out here:

1. Competition Laws

Most countries have laws – known as “antitrust,” “competition,” or “unfair competition” laws – designed to promote free and fair competition. Generally speaking, these laws prohibit 1) arrangements with competitors that restrain trade in some way, 2) abuse of intellectual property rights, and 3) use of market power to unfairly disadvantage competitors.

Certain conduct is absolutely prohibited under these laws, and could result in your imprisonment, not to mention severe penalties for Reliable Pressings.

Examples of prohibited conduct include:

• agreeing with competitors about prices
• agreeing with competitors to rig bids or to allocate customers or markets
• agreeing with competitors to boycott a supplier or customer

Other activities can also be illegal, unfair, or create the appearance of impropriety. Such activities include:

• sharing competitively sensitive information (e.g., prices, costs, market distribution, etc.) with competitors
• entering into a business arrangement or pursuing a strategy with the sole purpose of harming a competitor
• using Reliable Pressings’ size or strength to gain an unfair competitive advantage

Although the spirit of these laws is straightforward, their application to particular situations can be quite complex.

Reliable Pressings is committed to competing fairly and squarely. If you suspect that anyone at the company is violating the competition laws, notify Ethics & Compliance immediately.

2. Anti-bribery Laws

Like all businesses, Reliable Pressings is subject to lots of laws that prohibit bribery in virtually every kind of commercial setting. The rule for us at Reliable Pressings is simple – don’t bribe anybody, anytime, for any reason.

3. Non-government relationships

You should be careful when you give gifts and pay for meals, entertainment, or other business courtesies on behalf of Reliable Pressings. We want to avoid the possibility that the gift, entertainment, or other business courtesy could be perceived as a bribe, so it’s always best to provide such business courtesies infrequently and, when we do, to keep their value moderate. Consult Reliable Pressings’ Non-Government Related Gifts and Client Entertainment Policy before providing any business courtesies and contact Ethics & Compliance if you have any questions.

4. Dealing with government officials

We have no business dealing with any government official, except possibly in the Department of Labour or Tax Revenue Services. Only designated and mandated staff may deal with these officials.

Never offer any gifts or business courtesies to a government official, under any circumstances.

VIII. Conclusion

Reliable Pressings aspires to be a different kind of company. It’s impossible to spell out every possible ethical scenario we might face. Instead, we rely on one another’s good judgment to uphold a high standard of integrity for ourselves and our company. We expect all members of the Reliable Pressings pack to be guided by both the letter and the spirit of this Code. Sometimes, identifying the right thing to do isn’t an easy call. If you aren’t sure, don’t be afraid to ask questions of your manager.

And remember… our reputations are our most important asset, and if you see something that you think isn’t right – speak up!