Feature Article
Coronavirus Pandemic – Industry Reactions to Global Virus
T
his is the second report in a multi-part series, first published in the April issue of INCAST Magazine, in which we heard from our members in their own words, sharing how the global pandemic was impacting business.
This month, the ICI has conducted a survey of North American Members regarding the impact and effects of COVID-19. Of 209 Members surveyed, there were 38 respondents, or 18%. Of these, 87% identify themselves as essential operations. Respondents were comprised of 24 Regular Members, representing 30% of the ICI’s 81 Member foundries, and 14 were Affiliates, accounting for 11% of Member suppliers.
The pandemic has had varying degrees of effect on the
industry, with 79% of respondent operations being significantly affected, while the balance had little or no impact. A majority of foundries are reporting order cancellations or push outs, while a small number that serve essential businesses reported no impact to orders. Overall, 71% of respondents, foundry and supplier alike, report operational disruptions arising from a lack of or reduction in orders.
This, as well as the need for social distancing, has resulted
in several operations imposing temporary plant shut downs and layoffs, while others have noted a rise in absenteeism due to social distancing.
Two confirmed cases of infection were
reported and one company was forced to quarantine an entire department due to the lack of a rapid virus test when one employee exhibited flu-like symptoms. Survey respondents also report supply chain interruptions, difficulty in collections and the general lack of availability of personal protective equipment.
One respondent commented, “Not so much affected at
this time, but the lack of availability of P95 masks used in the foundry will be affecting us by the end of June. We have been working with our suppliers and trying to come up with cost effective solutions.”
Contingency plans have been established by 76% of respondents, a little more than half of which reported them as being comprehensive.
In response to 16 ❘ May 2020 ® the situation,
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