Murray & Roberts has thrown its weight behind the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development as one of the main corporate sponsors of the international event to be hosted by South Africa.

At a media conference in Johannesburg yesterday, Murray & Roberts was named as one of seven heavyweight sponsors of the event, each contributing R5 million to the Johannesburg World Summit Company (JOWSCO). Other sponsors are Anglo American, Eskom, MTN, South African Airways, the South African Post Office and Standard Bank.

Commenting on Murray & Roberts' involvement, group chief executive Brian Bruce said: "We are proud to associate ourselves with this important global event and on behalf of our shareholders and people, I pledge the company to good partnership in the realisation of a common desire that the Summit is successful in its deliberations and its fulfilment.

Following my attendance at this year's World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in New York, I am even more assured that the path to value creation lies in understanding and embracing a comprehensive approach to the principles of transparency and sustainability.

Ethics, values and integrity are increasingly brought into the equation when seeking partners or opportunities for investment and performance.

As a leading corporate citizen, Murray & Roberts is increasingly expected to declare itself in this respect. Our major clients invest in significant projects that have a profound effect on society and the environment. Our business conduct in implementing these projects has a lasting effect on the communities within which we operate. Our projects are in themselves, sustainability challenges.

At the heart of our Rebuilding Murray & Roberts strategy, is a commitment to sustainable development and value creation. For 100 years, Murray & Roberts has made a significant contribution to the development of South and southern African society. We have directly and indirectly created employment, developed skills, installed infrastructure, delivered services, built the economy, leveraged resources, applied technology and much more.

We are the world leader in the design and supply of specialised tank containers for the safe and efficient transportation of hazardous liquids and gases. We manufacture important components for the catalytic converter elements of vehicle exhaust systems, used to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. We manufacture the key components of a new generation high technology engine system that is a significant advance in the context of energy conservation and emission control.

We design and manage major mining, industrial and infrastructure projects that improve the economy of societies in a manner that builds trust and capacity in the affected communities. We fulfil our obligations cost effectively and timeously."