Exhibit 14.1
Amended and Restated on March 2, 2006
GRAHAM CORPORATION
CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
1. Introduction
This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (this Code) of Graham Corporation (the Company)
applies to the Companys employees, officers and directors (collectively, personnel). The
Companys agents and representatives, including consultants, are also required to comply with this
Code.
Although this Code covers a wide range of business practices and procedures and sets forth the
basic principals of conduct and ethics to which all Company personnel are subject, it does not
attempt to cover every issue that may arise. Therefore, Company personnel are expected at all
times to conduct themselves honestly, ethically, to act in the best interests of the Company, and
to deal with one another truthfully about matters affecting the Company. The Company further
expects that all personnel will actively seek to avoid even the appearance of improper or unethical
behavior.
Any person who violates the standards established in this Code may be subject to disciplinary
action, which could include termination of employment. If you have any questions about this Code
or its application, you should ask your supervisor, senior management or the companys legal
counsel how to handle the situation. If you become involved a situation or learn of facts that you
believe may violate or lead to a violation of this Code or any applicable law, rule or regulation,
whether by yourself or any other person associated with the Company, you are required to follow the
guidelines described in Section 15 of this Code.
If a law, rule or regulation conflicts with any provision of this Code, you must comply with the
applicable law, rule or regulation.
2. Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations
Obeying the law, both in letter and in spirit, is the foundation on which the Companys ethical
standards and reputation are built. All Company personnel must respect and obey the laws, rules
and regulations of the cities, states and countries in which the Company operates. When in doubt
regarding the application of any specific law, rule or regulation, Company personnel are required
to seek advice from supervisors, senior management or the Companys legal counsel.
From time to time, the Company may hold information and training sessions to promote compliance
with this Code and applicable laws, rules and regulations, including insider trading laws.
3. Conflicts of Interest
A conflict of interest exists when a persons private interests interferes in any way with the
interests of the Company. A conflict of interest can arise when an employee, officer or director
of the Company takes an action or has an interest that may make it difficult to perform his or her
Company work or duties objectively and/or effectively. A conflict of interest may also arise when
an employee, officer or director, or a member of any such persons family, receives a personal
benefit as a result of such persons position with the Company.
It is almost always a conflict of interest for Company personnel to work simultaneously for a
competitor, customer or supplier of the Company. Company personnel are not allowed to work for or
provide information to any actual or potential competitor. Company personnel should avoid any
direct or indirect business connection with any Company customer, supplier or competitor, except
when acting on the Companys behalf.
Any person who becomes aware of an actual or potential conflict interest (whether such conflict of
interest relates to such persons own situation or involves another person), is required to bring
it to the attention of his or her supervisor or senior management in accordance with the procedures
described in Section 15 of this Code.
4. Insider Trading
Company personnel who have access to confidential information are not permitted to use or share
that information for stock trading purposes or for any other purpose, except in connection with the
conduct of the Companys business. All non-public information (i.e., information not contained in
reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission) about the Company should
be considered confidential information. To use non-public information for personal financial
benefit or to tip or provide any such information, directly or indirectly, to another person who
might use such information to buy or sell Company stock is not only unethical but also illegal and
is prohibited in all circumstances.
5. Corporate Opportunities
Company personnel owe a duty to the Company to advance the Companys legitimate interests when the
opportunity to do so arises. As such, Company personnel are prohibited from taking for themselves
individually any opportunity that could benefit the Company without first obtaining the Companys
consent. In addition, Company personnel may not use any Company property, information, or position
for improper personal gain, and Company personnel may not compete with the Company, whether
directly or indirectly.
6. Competition and Fair Dealing
The Company seeks to outperform its competitors fairly and honestly and seeks its competitive
advantages through superior performance and products, not through unethical or illegal business
practices. Stealing or misappropriating proprietary information belonging to third parties,
possessing trade secret or other confidential information that was obtained without the owners
consent, or inducing such disclosures by past or present persons associated with other companies is
prohibited. Company personnel must respect the rights of and deal fairly with the Companys
customers, suppliers, competitors and employees. Company personnel must not take unfair advantage
of any third party through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information,
misrepresentation of material facts, or otherwise.
To maintain the Companys reputation, compliance by Company personnel with all applicable Company
quality processes and safety requirements is essential. Quality requires that the Companys
products and services be designed to meet the Companys obligations.
The purpose of business entertainment and gifts in a commercial setting is to create goodwill and
foster sound working relationships, not to gain unfair advantage with suppliers and customers. No
gift or entertainment should ever be offered, given, provided or accepted unless it: (1) is not a
cash gift, (2) is consistent with customary business practices, (3) is not excessive in value, (4)
cannot be construed as a bribe or payoff, and (5) does not violate any law, rule or regulation. Company personnel are
required to
2
discuss with their supervisor or senior management any gift or proposed gift that may
not be appropriate under this Code.
7. Discrimination and Harassment
The diversity of the Companys employees is a tremendous asset. The Company is firmly committed to
providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal
discrimination or harassment or any kind. Examples of behavior that will not be tolerated include,
but are not limited to, derogatory comments based on race, ethnicity, sexual preference and
unwelcome sexual advances.
8. Health and Safety
The Company strives to provide its personnel with a safe and healthful work environment. Each
employee is responsible for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace by following safety and health
rules and practices and reporting accidents, injuries and unsafe equipment, practices or
conditions.
Violence and threatening behavior are not permitted. Company personnel should report to work in
condition to perform their duties, free from the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol. The use of
illegal drugs or alcohol in the workplace is prohibited.
9. Record-Keeping
The Company requires honest and accurate recording and reporting of information so that it may make
responsible business decisions. For example, only the true and actual number of hours worked by
employees should be reported.
Many employees regularly use a Company expense account, which must be documented and recorded
accurately. Company rules and guidelines regarding expense reimbursement are available from the
Companys Accounting Department. Company personnel who regularly seek reimbursement of expenses
are required to obtain and read a copy of these rules and guidelines. Any questions regarding
whether a specific expense is appropriate for reimbursement will be answered by a supervisor or the
Human Resources Supervisor.
All of the Companys books, records, accounts and financial statements must be maintained in
reasonable detail, must appropriately reflect the Companys transactions and must conform both to
applicable legal requirements and to the Companys system of internal controls. No unrecorded or
off the books funds or assets are permitted.
Business records and communications often become public. As a result, exaggeration, derogatory
remarks, guesswork, or inappropriate characterizations of people and companies that can be
misunderstood should all be avoided. This applies, without limitation, to e-mail, internal memos,
letters and formal reports.
All Company records may be retained or destroyed only in accordance with the Companys record
retention policies as may be in effect from time to time. In the event of actual or potential
litigation or governmental investigation, Company personnel are prohibited from destroying any
Company records and are required to immediately consult with senior management or the Companys
legal counsel.
3
10. Confidentiality
Company personnel must maintain and protect the confidentiality of the proprietary and confidential
information of the Company and its suppliers and customers, except when disclosure is explicitly
authorized or required by applicable law, rule or regulation or approved by senior management.
Proprietary and confidential information includes all non-public information that, if disclosed,
might be of use to competitors, or harmful to the Company or its customers, including, but not
limited to, intellectual property, trade secrets, patents, trademarks, and copyrights, as well as
business, marketing and service plans or data, customer lists, supplier lists, financial
information, manufacturing ideas or processes, designs, blueprints, databases, records, salary
information and all other non-public data and reports. Such information also includes proprietary
and confidential information that suppliers and customers have entrusted to the Company. Company
personnel have an obligation to preserve proprietary and confidential information even after they
are no longer employed by or affiliated with the Company. Any unauthorized use or distribution of
any proprietary or confidential information violates this Code and any unauthorized use or
distribution of such information could also be illegal and result in civil or criminal penalties.
11. Protection and Proper Use of Company Assets
Company personnel must protect the Companys assets and ensure the efficient use of such assets.
Theft, carelessness, and waste have a direct impact on the Companys profitability. Any suspected
incident of fraud or theft must be immediately reported for investigation. Company equipment may
not be used for non-Company purposes, although incidental personal use may be permitted in certain
circumstances with Company approval.
12. Payments to Government Personnel
The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act prohibits giving anything of value, directly or indirectly,
to officials of foreign governments or foreign political candidates in order to obtain or retain
business. It is strictly prohibited to make illegal payments to government officials of any
country.
In addition, the U.S. government has a number of laws, rules and regulations regarding business
gratuities that may be accepted by U.S. government personnel. The promise, offer or delivery to an
official or employee of the U.S. government of a gift, favor or other gratuity in violation of
these law, rules and regulations not only violate this Code but could also be a criminal offense.
State and local governments, as well as foreign governments, may have similar rules.
13. Waivers of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
A waiver of this Code for corporate officers may be made only by the Companys Board of Directors
or a Board Committee and must be disclosed promptly if and as required by applicable rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission and the American Stock Exchange.
14. Reporting any Illegal or Unethical Behavior; Whistleblower Hotline
Employees are encouraged to talk to supervisors, managers or other appropriate personnel about any
observed illegal or unethical behavior and when they are in doubt about the best course of action
in a particular situation. It is the policy of the Company not to allow retaliation for good faith
reports by Company personnel of misconduct by others. Employees are required to fully cooperate in
internal investigations of misconduct.
4
Company personnel may also report any concerns regarding accounting, internal accounting controls
or auditing matters or any violation of this Code by calling the Companys anonymous toll-free
whistleblower hotline at 1-800-897-9975. Reports made to the hotline may be made on an anonymous
basis.
15. Compliance Procedures
All Company personnel must actively work to ensure prompt and consistent action against any
violation of this Code. When reporting a potential violation of this Code, Company personnel
should follow the below steps:
|
|
|
Make sure you have all available facts. In order to reach the right
resolution, the Company must be as fully informed as possible. |
|
|
|
|
Ask yourself: What specifically am I being asked to do? Does it seem unethical
or improper? This will enable you to focus on the specific question you are faced
with, and the alternatives you have. Use your judgment and common sense; if something
seems unethical or improper, it probably is. |
|
|
|
|
Clarify your responsibility and role. In most situations, there is shared
responsibility. Are your colleagues and supervisors informed? It may help to get
others involved and discuss the situation. |
|
|
|
|
Discuss the situation with your supervisor or with senior management. This
is the basic guidance for all situations. Supervisors or senior management will
generally be more knowledgeable about the question and will appreciate being brought
into the decision-making process. |
|
|
|
|
Seek help from Company resources. In the event that you believe that it is
not appropriate to discuss an issue with your supervisor, or where you do not feel
comfortable approaching your supervisor with your question, you should discuss it with
senior management or the Companys legal counsel. If you prefer to write, you may
address your concerns to: President and Chief Executive Officer, Graham Corporation, P.
O. Box 719, Batavia, New York 14021; or to the Companys outside legal counsel, Harter,
Secrest & Emery LLP, 1600 Bausch & Lomb Place, Rochester, New York 14604, Attn.: Daniel
R. Kinel, Esq. |
|
|
|
|
Good faith reports of violations of this Code may be made without fear of
retaliation. If your situation requires that your identity be kept secret, the
Company will endeavor to protect your anonymity. The Company does not permit
retaliation of any kind against employees for good faith reports of violations of this
Code. You may also use the Companys Whistleblower Hotline, described in Section 14 of
this Code, to report violations of this Code. |
|
|
|
|
When in doubt, ask first: If you are unsure of what to do in any situation,
seek guidance before you act. |
5