March 9, 2020
Dear Valued Customer:
The continued spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) worldwide continues to present a challenge with the best course of action to mitigate the spread. As communicated on March 3rd, Teknor Apex Company’s main priority remains the health and safety of our employees, customers, suppliers, and our communities; to that end, we have a travel ban in place until April 15th. This is for all world regions and for all employees. All contract employees are being evaluated and requested to follow our containment policy, to be allowed on site. We are encouraging business to be conducted remotely, via teleconferences and webinars, and promoting social distancing to help contain the spread.
Our Supply Chain continues to run our business continuity protocols, to identify risks within our inbound supply and outbound order fulfilment. At this time, we are confident to report our ability to produce our Customers’ demands, has not been impacted COVID-19.
We are however, beginning to see challenges in ocean shipments; as the global ocean shipping network has been imbalanced by the virus. The myriad of blank sailings and stranded containers has equipment displaced globally and interrupting normal flows. This is creating more of a challenge with the availability of vessels and containers for future outbound shipments. We are securing vessel space and containers 3-4 weeks in advance to mitigate, but may still encounter challenges outside of our direct control. For Customers with orders moving by ocean, delays may be expected. Providing advanced notice and working closely with your customer service representative, will allow us to mitigate potential delays in order delivery.
At this time we remain confident, that through alternate sources and planning, we are still maintaining a positive supply position that supports business continuity.
Please be assured that our teams around the world continue to monitor your demand pro-actively and Customers who are impacted by delays will be notified by Customer Service and or Sales with further details.
Sincerely,
Laura Smith
Director Customer Service & Logistics