They have provided the long-term shareholder with superior investment returns while delivering quarterly dividends on a consistent and growing basis.

They operate on a set of core principles, including:

- ensuring the safety of their employees
-a commitment of high ethical standards
-setting high performance standards for returns on equity, returns on capital employed and growth
- empowering business unit leadership
- fostering an employee-share ownership culture
- continuously and prudently investing in their businesses
- preserving their strong financial position that provides flexibility to employ their growth strategies and build market share
- focusing on businesses which supply highly specified capital goods that come with opportunities for continued product support
- respecting the environment

These principles have successfully guided them through many economic and business cycles, helping them to shape their strategies and select the best opportunities available.