Cross-media approach for audience-appropriate reporting

Caring, learning and performance are the three values reflecting the ambitions of GF. They play an important role in the evolution of the company’s culture and the successful execution of its 2025 strategy. The new, inspiring look and feel of its reporting are the ideal foil to these ambitions.

“GF takes reporting its annual results very seriously indeed. Taking the extra step to achieve the optimum result is always a challenge for everyone involved. It requires us to deal flexibly with changes at short notice and still go about our work with perseverance and a keen eye for detail. The people at our chosen partner Linkgroup share our quality standards and have supported us on this journey with great commitment and professionalism.”

Beat Römer
Head of Corporate Communications, GF, Schaffhausen

Client’s wish

GF wanted to gear the content of its reporting more closely to the various needs of all its stakeholders and make it easy to use. The company also wanted a fresher design that would give the GF brand a stronger visual underpinning. While the online report continues to come first and add multimedia value for its online audience, a smart web PDF was also added to make it more attractive for readers who prefer to download a PDF.

Solution

GF’s online reporting was given a sharper focus by honing the storytelling approach and creating a fresh and modern design. The content policy was streamlined and the navigation was made intuitive, with interactive elements adding additional value. The same approach was chosen for the smart web PDF, focusing primarily on providing intuitive and interactive navigation for readers. Machine readability was an integral part of the approach. The new online report is complemented by two printout solutions: a separate letter to shareholders, which was sent to all shareholders, and a facts and figures sheet.

Process

Based on GF’s 2025 strategy, the cross-media content policy was developed in close coordination with the new design concept. The development of the online report and the smart web PDF was completed in time for the start of the reporting season and enabled seamless content filling and subsequent production by GF. Linkgroup’s one-stop-shop approach, collaborative teamwork and tight project management were key factors in the success of the endeavour.

Client

With its four divisions GF Piping Systems, GF Building Flow Solutions, GF Casting Solutions and GF Machining Solutions, GF offers products and solutions for the safe transport of liquids and gases, lightweight cast components as well as highprecision manufacturing technologies. As a leading company in sustainability and innovation, GF strives for profitable growth and has been providing customers with high added value for over 200 years. Established in 1802, the industrial group is headquartered in Switzerland and operates 187 companies in 45 countries, including 76 production companies with 105 sites. GF’s 19,824 employees generated sales of CHF 4,026 million in 2023.

Products

  • Company reports, including management review, sustainability, corporate governance, remuneration and financial report
  • Online report microsite
  • Interactive comparison of key figures
  • Facts & figures «At a glance»
  • Smart web PDF