Planning review for new GF Automotive building

Owing to a review of the overall concept, the new GF Automotive building, with an integrated centre for research and development plus facilities for the Corporate Group's management and key staff functions, will be built at a later date. It had been planned to erect a replacement for the Central Laboratory in Mühlental, Schaffhausen. The new centre on the Ebnat was originally scheduled to open in the spring of 2009.

The Executive Committee has decided to review the project owing to the change in operating conditions. Since the original investment decision in mid-2007, space requirements in Schaffhausen have evolved, and these are now to be met by means of an all-inclusive solution. Other reasons for reviewing the project, included the large volume of future investments, the extension of the distribution centre and the capacity expansion in the Schaffhausen plastic products facility, as well as additional projects abroad. In view of the faltering economy, Georg Fischer, as a responsible entrepreneur, is also adjusting all the Corporation's current investment projects to the changed economic and financing circumstances.

Despite the planning review, Georg Fischer is nevertheless adhering to its objective of building a suitable replacement for the Central Laboratory in Mühlental as quickly as possible, thereby securing its position as a leading supplier to the automotive industry over the long term.