Over the past 12 months, CTB’s BC Deutschland Site in Ennepetal has taken a more structured approach to EHS following the appointment of a full-time Site EHS Manager in early 2025. The focus has been on strengthening how EHS is managed day to day - moving from isolated actions to a more consistent, site-wide approach and measures.
That shift is beginning to show in performance. Compliance with Cooper Turner Beck's Corporate EHS Model has increased from 42% to 70%, with a target of full alignment with group standards by the end of 2026.
From oversight to active management
A key change over the past year has been how EHS is managed at the leadership level.
More frequent internal audits, increased participation in EHS standard meetings, and regular sessions between EHS and business unit leadership have introduced a more consistent management rhythm. This has moved EHS closer to day-to-day operations - improving visibility of risks and ensuring issues are addressed earlier. Internal communication to all employees also raises awareness and decreases the accident rate.
The implementation of the group’s “Hazard Containment” process has also strengthened this preventative approach. Through daily walkthroughs and checklist-based inspections carried out by area managers, the site now identifies an average of 125 potential hazards per month before incidents occur - including slip risks, trip hazards, and other operational safety concerns.
Investments driving site-level change
This increased oversight is now translating into practical improvements on-site.
Older CNC machines with lower safety specifications have been replaced, and unsuitable equipment has been updated, reducing operational risk in key areas. An upgraded extraction system has also been introduced within the CNC shop, improving working conditions and avoiding stress for operators.
At the same time, investment in updated personal protective equipment - including optical safety glasses, custom hearing protection (Otoplastik), and metatarsal protectors - is helping standardise safety practices across teams.
Working through legacy constraints
As with many established sites, some challenges are linked to existing infrastructure.
Safety standards within parts of the forging shop remain influenced by the age of machinery, and there is an ongoing need to strengthen employee awareness of workplace safety requirements. Recognising this, the site is investing tens of thousands of Euros this year to upgrade the forge shop and enhance safety conditions in this area. Combined with ongoing efforts to strengthen safety awareness and behaviours, these improvements will be key to sustaining progress.
Maintaining the trajectory
After 12 months of focused effort, the site has established a clearer structure for managing EHS and begun to translate this into measurable improvements.
This growing focus on EHS was also reflected at the BC Deutschland Site, Ennepetal, where CTB Group’s 2026 EHS Conference took place between April 27–29, bringing teams together to share standards, priorities, and operational best practices across the group.
The next phase is maintaining that consistency - continuing to close the gap to full compliance and embedding a more standardised approach to safety across all areas of the site.
