Delaware | 001-11311 | 13-3386776 | ||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (Commission File Number) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||
21557 Telegraph Road, Southfield, MI | 48033 | |||
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip code) |
x | Rule 13p-1 under the Securities Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13p-1) for the reporting period from January 1 to December 31, 2016. |
• | Our seating segment consists of the design, development, engineering, just-in-time assembly and delivery of complete seat systems, as well as the design, development, engineering and manufacture of all major seat components, including seat covers and surface materials such as leather and fabric, seat structures and mechanisms, seat foam and headrests. Further, we have capabilities in active sensing and comfort for seats, utilizing electronically controlled sensor and adjustment systems and internally developed algorithms. Through a strategic investment, we also offer thermoelectric seat heating and cooling capabilities. |
• | Our E-Systems segment consists of the design, development, engineering and manufacture of complete electrical distribution systems that route electrical signals and manage electrical power within the vehicle for traditional vehicle architectures, as well as high power and hybrid electric systems. Key components in the electrical distribution system include wiring harnesses, terminals and connectors and junction boxes, including components for high power and hybrid electric systems. We also design, develop, engineer and manufacture sophisticated electronic control modules that facilitate signal, data and power management within the vehicle, as well as associated software. We have added capabilities in wireless communication modules and cybersecurity that securely process various signals to, from and within the vehicle, as well as road infrastructure. |
Lear Corporation | |||||
Date: | May 17, 2017 | By: | /s/ Jeffrey H. Vanneste | ||
Name: | Jeffrey H. Vanneste | ||||
Title: | Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
Exhibit Number | Description | |
1.01 | Conflict Minerals Report dated May 17, 2017. | |
• | Our seating segment consists of the design, development, engineering, just-in-time assembly and delivery of complete seat systems, as well as the design, development, engineering and manufacture of all major seat components, including seat covers and surface materials such as leather and fabric, seat structures and mechanisms, seat foam and headrests. Further, we have capabilities in active sensing and comfort for seats, utilizing electronically controlled sensor and adjustment systems and internally |
• | Our E-Systems segment consists of the design, development, engineering and manufacture of complete electrical distribution systems that route electrical signals and manage electrical power within the vehicle for traditional vehicle architectures, as well as high power and hybrid electric systems. Key components in the electrical distribution system include wiring harnesses, terminals and connectors and junction boxes, including components for high power and hybrid electric systems. We also design, develop, engineer and manufacture sophisticated electronic control modules that facilitate signal, data and power management within the vehicle, as well as associated software. We have added capabilities in wireless communication modules and cybersecurity that securely process various signals to, from and within the vehicle, as well as road infrastructure. |
A. | Conflict Minerals Sourcing Policy |
• | Lear developed and adopted a “Conflict Minerals Sourcing Policy” that is published on Lear’s public website at: http://www.lear.com/ and is contained in Attachment A to this report. |
◦ | The policy states that Lear will comply with the disclosure and reporting requirements of the Conflict Minerals Rule of the Dodd-Frank Act, as well as the rules of the SEC promulgated thereunder. |
◦ | The policy also states that Lear requires legal and ethical sourcing of materials in our supply chain and, as part of our Conflict Minerals Sourcing Policy, imposes an obligation on Lear’s suppliers to engage in due diligence of their respective supply chains to understand and report the content of the parts such suppliers provide to Lear. |
B. | Internal Management Structure |
• | Cross Functional Team |
◦ | A “Cross Functional Team” was appointed by Lear leadership to support the supply chain due diligence undertaken by Lear. Representatives from Lear’s Purchasing, Engineering, Finance, Corporate Compliance, Information Technology, Environmental, Health and Safety, Philippine Engineering and Technology Center and Legal departments serve on the team. |
◦ | The purpose of the Cross Functional Team is to ensure availability of resources necessary to support Lear’s supply chain due diligence process. The team monitors the execution and effectiveness of Lear’s due diligence process and collaborates to develop improvements to such process. |
• | Report Findings to Designated Senior Management and Board of Directors |
◦ | Lear’s designated members of the Company’s Senior Management and the Company’s Board of Directors are provided an update relating to conflict minerals activities by the Environmental Health and Safety Department, upon request. |
C. | Controls and Transparency Over the Mineral Supply Chain |
• | Industry Driven Programs |
◦ | The OECD Guidance encourages participation in industry-driven programs to establish an industry-wide system of controls and transparency over the mineral supply chain including either a chain of custody or a traceability system. As outlined in the OECD guidance, the internationally recognized standard on which our Company’s system is based, we support an industry initiative that validates |
◦ | CFSI validates SORs due diligence activities through its Conflict-Free Smelter Program (“CFSP”). The CFSP uses an independent third-party audit to identify smelters and refiners that have systems in place to assure sourcing of conflict-free materials. Companies can then use this information to assess and make informed choices concerning their supply chains. This audit standard was developed according to global standards including the OECD Guidance and the Dodd-Frank Act. |
◦ | Lear participates in the Automotive Industry Action Group (“AIAG”), an automotive industry group whose members include original equipment manufacturers (“OEM”) and “Tier” suppliers. Lear participates in the AIAG Conflict Minerals Work Group (“CMWG”), which was established to prepare suppliers for reporting that will enable compliance with provisions of the Conflict Minerals Rule. Lear participates in AIAG’s Smelter Engagement Team (“SET”), Training and Education, and Due Diligence sub groups of the CMWG, which create or support specific initiatives to develop tools and resources to assist companies and their supply chain in the reporting processes. Lear also participates in CFSI’s SET, an initiative of the CFSI. The SETs conduct research and outreach encouraging SORs to participate in the CFSI which supports the validation of SORs as conflict free. Validation through the CFSI evaluates chain of custody and/or traceability of the minerals from the mine to the SORs. This is the primary methodology for downstream suppliers (such as Lear) to have influence on the upstream supply base (such as the smelters and refiners). |
D. | Company Engagement with Suppliers |
• | Lear has established an online supplier portal to strengthen Lear’s engagement with its suppliers. |
◦ | The supplier portal is available at Lear’s website at: http://www.lear.com/Site/Suppliers/. |
◦ | The “Suppliers” tab serves as a supplier information portal that provides the supply chain a unique opportunity to view and access important Lear information and updated web guides for suppliers. Web guides are referred to in the “Terms and Conditions” used by Lear when contracting with suppliers, and such web guides contain requirements not specifically identified in the Terms and Conditions. Web guides include a Global Requirements Manual for Suppliers and contain information for suppliers regarding the Conflict Minerals Rule. Also, under the “Suppliers” tab, additional conflict minerals related documents are |
◦ | Suppliers are able to contact a Lear conflict minerals representative anytime via e-mail at: conflictminerals@lear.com. |
E. | Grievance Mechanism |
• | The conflictminerals@lear.com mailbox is a mechanism available for any interested party to communicate their concerns/grievances regarding Lear’s conflict minerals process. |
◦ | This mailbox is checked daily for communications from interested parties. |
◦ | In the event that a grievance is submitted, the established process is to review the contents of the grievance, discuss with appropriate Lear individuals to seek resolution and communicate back to the person submitting the grievance. |
A. | Identification of Suppliers and Point of Contact |
• | Suppliers are requested to identify the individual(s) responsible for providing conflict mineral information for their company. |
• | Once contact names and e-mail addresses were obtained, RCOI is made using the EICC and GeSi template known as the CFSI’s Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (the “CMRT”), which is described in further detail below. |
◦ | RCOI is an inquiry regarding the origin of 3TG that is designed to determine where the minerals used by Lear’s suppliers originated or if they are from recycled or scrap sources. |
◦ | The CMRT was developed by EICC and GeSi as a standard reporting template for companies to use to facilitate disclosure and communication of information regarding SORs that provide material to a company’s supply chain. It includes questions regarding a company’s conflict mineral free policy, engagement with its direct suppliers and a listing of the SORs the company and its suppliers use. In addition, the CMRT contains questions about the origin of conflict minerals included in suppliers’ products, as well as about the due diligence conducted by suppliers. |
• | Lear utilizes the International Material Data System (“IMDS”) to identify and assess risk of relevant suppliers that provide components to Lear, as an initial step. Lear communicates the conflict minerals reporting request by e-mail with its suppliers identified in the IMDS list known to have 3TG in their products. |
• | Lear considers the following risk elements in its due diligence process: |
◦ | Completeness of the submission of information by Lear’s suppliers, especially for those suppliers known to have 3TG in their components. The AIAG’s CM-3 Guide for Conflict Minerals Reporting to the Automotive Industry (“CM-3 Guide”) and other available guidance across the industry are used to determine completeness of submission by analyzing the supplier’s answers to each question contained in the CMRT. |
◦ | Submission of SORs data and determination if SORs had been validated to be compliant with the CFSP of CFSI. |
◦ | Consistency and substantiation of information by cross-checking submissions with the IMDS data. |
• | As questions arise regarding supplier submissions, Lear communicates by e-mail with the supplier for clarification and understanding. |
◦ | An assessment of all responses received from suppliers using the CM-3 Guide, the IMDS data information, and the CFSI’s smelter database information. Supplier responses are categorized as follows: (i) accepted (meaning the response satisfied the requirements and expectations set forth in the CMRT); (ii) inconsistent or incomplete (meaning the response contained inconsistent information when compared against known or existing IMDS data and clarification is required, or expected inputs are missing); and (iii) rejected (meaning the CMRT data is invalid or not presented in the required format). Categorizing a response is prompted by the completeness or quality of the answer and cross-checks undertaken by Lear. Suppliers are notified by e-mail of the status of their CMRT responses and if rejected, or if incomplete or inconsistent submissions, suppliers are asked to correct and resubmit. |
◦ | A listing of SORs information provided to Lear by its supply chain is compiled. The listing contains conflict free smelters and refiners as well as facilities that are not yet validated to be compliant with CFSP. As noted, Lear supports the CFSI and their independently verified list of conflict-free SORs through their CFSP. |
• | Utilized the IMDS to identify and assess risk of relevant suppliers that provide components to Lear. |
• | Communicated the conflict minerals reporting request by e-mail to suppliers that are both identified in the IMDS list known to have 3TG in their products and one of Lear’s top suppliers in terms of the spend amount of the Seating and E-Systems business segments. |
• | Adopted the CM-3 Guide to assess potential risk on the CMRT declaration from suppliers |
• | Determined completeness of the CMRT declaration from suppliers by analyzing the answers to each question contained in the CMRT, and considered the following risk elements: |
◦ | Accuracy of SORs data and determination if SORs had been validated to be compliant with the CFSP of CFSI. |
◦ | Consistency and substantiation of information by cross-checking submissions with the IMDS data. |
• | Utilized smelter database tools and resources to compare the SORs identified in Lear’s supply chain in order to determine the status of such SORs. |
• | Categorized supplier responses as follows: (i) accepted (meaning the response satisfied the requirements and expectations set forth in the CMRT); (ii) inconsistent or incomplete (meaning the response contained inconsistent information when compared against known or existing IMDS data and clarification is required, or expected inputs are missing); and (iii) rejected (meaning the CMRT data is invalid or not presented in the required format). Categorizing a response is prompted by the completeness or quality of the answer and cross-checks undertaken by Lear. |
• | Suppliers were notified by e-mail of the status of their CMRT responses and if their response is rejected, or if incomplete or inconsistent, suppliers were asked to correct and resubmit. |
◦ | As questions arose regarding supplier CMRT declaration, Lear communicated by e-mail and telephone with the supplier for clarification and understanding. |
• | Lear participated on the AIAG CMWG and CFSI by attending periodic meetings in person and participating in conference calls. |
• | Participated and shared Lear’s latest CMRT Validation Process in the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity & Innovation (“MAPI”) Conflict Minerals Forum in 2016. |
• | Financially supported the CFSP by membership to CFSI. |
• | Compiled a listing of SORs information received from Lear supply chain and provided to CFSI. CFSI solicits supplier surveys to refresh the aggregated list of potential and actual SORs in CFSI member company supply chains. This information will be used to help identify SORs and aliases, cover as many smelters and refiners as possible and prioritize research and outreach throughout the reporting year. |
• | Became a member of CFSI SET subgroup and contributed to outreach encouraging SORs to participate in the CFSP. |
• | Volunteered to participate in AIAG SET-Coordinated Smelter Visits. |
• | Enhance and improve our RCOI and due diligence survey response rate and data quality by strengthening supplier engagement and continued education. |
◦ | Results: Lear saw a 10% improvement in the 2016 supplier response rate in the categories identified as “All Suppliers” and “Suppliers Known to Have 3TG.” The improved response rate, as well as the overall data quality, is attributed to Lear’s Conflict Minerals Team’s consistent interaction with supplier contacts. |
• | Continue to participate in the AIAG and CFSI (as discussed in item C on page 3 of this report). |
◦ | Results: Lear participated on the AIAG CMWG by attending meetings in person and participating in conference calls regularly. As a member of the CMWG and CFSI, Lear provided input on the various topics and projects as well. |
• | Further, incorporating the conflict minerals compliance requirements and data integrity validation points into business processes for incoming products, procurement and change management. |
• | Continued collaboration with AIAG, CFSI, and participation in cross-industry forums to ensure access to up-to-date smelter status information, current events and legislation related to conflict minerals. |
• | Participation in both AIAG SET and CFSI SET to support research and outreach projects which encourage smelters and refiners to participate in the CFSI. Lear will also continue to provide input to the Supplier Survey of CFSI. CFSI solicits supplier surveys to refresh the aggregated list of potential and actual SORs in CFSI member company supply chains. This information will be used to help identify SORs and aliases, cover as many smelters and refiners as possible and prioritize research and outreach throughout the reporting year. |
• | As a result of the latest RCOI and continuous due diligence efforts, Lear has identified a large number of SORs; however, we cannot state with certainty yet that all SORs within our supply base have been identified. Based on the declaration gathered from our supply base to date, we are also unable to determine with certainty the conflict-free status of each specific product. Nevertheless, Lear continues to evaluate potential areas within the business to improve our process to mitigate risks associated with conflict minerals. |
• | Smelter Information |
2016 RCOI | ||||||
Metal | Number of Reported SORs | |||||
Conflict-Free / CFSP Compliant | Active Research and Outreach | Not Eligible / Confirmed Non-SORs | ||||
Gold | 92 | 37 | 122 | |||
Tantalum | 43 | — | 16 | |||
Tin | 66 | 10 | 201 | |||
Tungsten | 40 | 6 | 56 |
By: | /s/ Matthew J. Simoncini | |||
Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer |