Property, plant and equipment is measured at cost less depreciation and impairments plus reversals of impairments. The component approach is applied here in accordance with IAS 16. Subsequent costs are only capitalized if it is probable that future economic benefits will arise for the Group and the cost of the asset can be measured reliably. The cost of self-constructed property, plant and equipment is calculated on the basis of the directly attributable unit costs and an appropriate share of overheads. If the construction of property, plant and equipment takes a substantial period of time, the directly attributable borrowing costs incurred up until completion are capitalized as part of the costs. In accordance with IAS 20, costs are reduced by the amount of government grants in those cases where government grants or subsidies have been paid for the acquisition or manufacture of assets (grants related to assets). Grants related to expenses which no longer offset future expenses are recognized in profit or loss. Property, plant and equipment is depreciated by the straight-line method over the useful life of the asset concerned. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is based on the following useful lives:
| XLS |
|
Useful life of property, plant and equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Useful life |
|
Production buildings |
maximum of 33 years |
|
Administration buildings |
maximum of 40 years |
|
Plant and machinery |
6 to 25 years |
|
Operating and office equipment; other facilities |
3 to 10 years |
The useful lives of the assets are reviewed regularly and adjusted if necessary. If indications of a decline in value exist, an impairment test is performed. The determination of the possible need to recognize impairments proceeds in the same way as for intangible assets. If the reasons for an impairment loss no longer exist, a reversal of the impairment loss recognized in prior periods is recorded.
