10
the Netherlands, is intended to intensify
the research into suitable local cereal
varieties.
In the Dutch breweries we are testing
on a small scale a system of anaerobic
waste water purification. In this process,
in contrast to the method which we have
long been using, no aeration of the waste
water takes place. A combination of the
two systems may lead to optimization of
the treatment of waste water arising in
the production process.
Know-how concerning this purification
process may be applicable in the various
breweries world-wide which operate under
different climatological conditions.
changes are making higher demands on
our management than in the past. Taking
into account the requirements of both
the enterprise and the individual em
ployees. an adequate system of planning
and development of management poten
tial is therefore indispensable.
In addition to various forms of training,
much attention is thus being paid to the
development of information systems in
order to support the management devel
opment activities.
The introduction of new beer bottles in
the Netherlands was accompanied by
modification of our bottling lines. This
modification results in a reduction of sur
face damage in the re-use of the bottles.
Personnel
During the year under review the average
number of employees was 28.749, com
pared to 28,410 in 1985.
Geographical breakdown of personnel
(numbers)
6,187 The Netherlands
674 Western Hemisphere
4.094 Asia/Australia/Oceania
6.693 Africa
11.101 Rest of Europe
We wish to express our gratitude here
for the way in which our employees all
over the world have once again shown
such dedication to the interests of the
enterprise in the past year.
Labour relations have developed harmon
iously in the enterprise.
In the restructuring of the brewery groups
in France and Spain efforts were made,
within the framework of social plans
drawn up for that purpose, to offset as
much as possible the consequences for
the personnel concerned. Amongst other
things, assistance was given in the finding
of alternative employment, whilst some
of the employees were offered early
retirement.
Also the restructuring of the soft drinks
business in the Netherlands is being
carefully monitored.
The continuing international growth of
our enterprise and the rapid social