Dear Valued Customer,
As we collectively grapple with how to combat the continued spread and threat of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) we want to take a moment to reach out and assure you that Teknor Apex is committed to protecting the health and safety of our employees and communities; all while maintaining our commitment to you as your trusted supplier.
We have deployed our enterprise-wide Pandemic Response protocols, covering all aspects of our business from personnel, operations, supply chain, and sales. These protocols ensure that we have a pulse on our inbound supply, outbound order fulfilment, and logistics networks globally, to maintain a positive position thus far on business continuity. Although we cannot guarantee zero impact, we can guarantee that we are taking every measure within our power to mitigate disruptions as much as possible.
Here are some of the measures we are taking to provide protection across our operations:
Employee Health and Safety
We have been working under a set of social distancing and hygiene procedures. We have every person capable of working from home doing so. All essential personnel are assigned to different teams and work on alternating schedules to eliminate contact. Similar teams have been established for our plants and manufacturing crews globally. The teams allow us to manage social distancing and provide structure around timing of breaks and utilization of facilities within our sites. Cleaning and disinfecting work stations, controls, testing apparatus, and other surfaces are done throughout the day and / or before and after use.
Business Travel and Visitors
All employee travel has been suspended and we have restricted all visitors from entering our premises. In cases where contractors are necessary, our company pandemic protocols must be agreed to and observed, including declaration of past travels and interactions that may preclude their entry. One important exception is truck drivers. We have set up hand off stations to pass paperwork while maintaining proper distancing. At our larger plants we have assigned separate bathroom facilities for the drivers. Logistics is vital to the success of our supply chain and maintaining business continuity.
Business Continuity Management
We have several teams operating along functional lines responding to daily changes. Leaders of these groups are all part of our Business Continuity Team. Every policy, newsfeed, customer inquiry or request, supply chain update, plant activity, EHS concern, and technology need is addressed immediately by the best experts we have, all while establishing a vital network for cascading information to the organization.
Supply Chain Management
Inbound supply is monitored continuously by our Procurement and Supply Chain Teams. Our standard disaster recovery protocols are in full gear, accessing stock levels and inventory positions coupled with direct contact and follow up with our suppliers. Full leverage of our enterprise resource planning tools is enabling us to monitor our supply capabilities and adjust as new developments emerge.
Daily planning calls are in place with our logistics network to navigate the most challenged aspect of our business continuity efforts. Proactive planning and management is ensuring we have secured capacity and equipment in advance to avoid delays if and where possible.
Our manufacturing leaders with our supply chain and demand management teams review plant readiness and develop “what if” contingency plans to address potential developments that may impact any given facility to be able to produce and fulfill demands. Every day we address new challenges and create contingency plans for shifting products to other capable facilities if the need presents itself.
Supporting You
Our sales and customer service teams are here for you if you have questions. We will abide by all governmental regulations and as a medical supplier we become an essential supplier in keeping our plants open. The governmental controls are changing quickly and differ by location. With Teknor Apex’s multiple locations worldwide, including 9 in the United States; our geographic footprint will provide added flexibility for operating out of the least impacted areas.
These unprecedented circumstances are testing all of humanity; with many feeling anxious with the level of uncertainty we are all facing within our businesses, our communities, and our families. We are resilient and through collaboration and communication we will be here to support one another through these trying times.
Sincerely,
Suresh Swaminathan
President