Manufacturers such as Ibstock, Forterra and Wienerberger have confirmed they have taken steps to re-start production, following the decision to temporarily suspend operations due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Providing an update on the situation surrounding COVID-19, CEO Joe Hudson (main picture) said: “A few weeks ago, we took the decision to temporarily suspend our operations in support of the UK Government’s effort to bring the Covid-19 pandemic under control and to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our colleagues in a very uncertain time. Now, along with much of the UK building industry, we will begin to safely bring some colleagues back in to the workplace, from Monday, 27th April 2020. This will allow us to commence a phased approach to restart activity in some of our factories over the following weeks, prioritising those with higher demand and ensuring we can continue to support the UK’s construction industry and get Britain building again.
“As the health and safety of our employees, customers and suppliers is paramount, we have introduced enhanced protocols to ensure compliance with social distancing, hygiene and current guidelines regarding Covid-19. All sites will undergo a “safe-start” session before commencing operations to support these ongoing protective measures.
“It’s at times like this that the relationships which we have with our customers and across the supply chain demonstrate their most significant value and increase the combined strength of all our businesses.
“We would like to thank our customers for the understanding and close communication which has enabled us to plan together in recent weeks. Over the last 18 months Ibstock has invested significantly in the reliability and capacity of our assets. As a result, we have good stock levels and are confident that by working together with our partners we can continue to meet your needs through this restart period.
“We have continued to despatch product for essential projects and have done this in a safe and effective way. With enquiries increasing, our commercial teams are available and continue to work remotely to process orders and payments, and to respond to your questions as required.
“We hope that you recognise the additional efforts we are making to communicate our needs and requirements as early as possible, in the same manner as we are asking our customers to keep us informed.”
The statement also issued the following ‘fall-back’ numbers in case customers were unable to reach their usual contacts which will direct callers to an appropriate contact:
Ibstock Brick – 0844 800 4575
Ibstock Kevington – 0844 736 0350
Supreme Concrete Customer Services – 0333 999 2220
Forticrete Roofing Customer Services – 01525 244900
Forticrete Stone Customer Services – 01909 775000
Anderton Concrete Customer Services – 0333 234 3434
Longley Concrete Customer Services – 01924 464283
The manufacturer has issued the following statement:
Since the announcement last month that Forterra would be temporarily halting production at most of its manufacturing sites, the business has been planning alternative working practices that enable manufacturing to recommence while keeping staff safe and able to socially distance.
Following guidance from the NHS, Public Health England and the Construction Leadership Council, Forterra has started the process of carrying out risk assessments and are pleased to announce that kilns will be fired up ready to start production at one of its brick manufacturing facilities next week (wc 27 April). Also next week, Forterra will recommence production of the hollowcore product at Bison Precast in Swadlincote.
It is expected that this will be followed by the reopening of two more plants in May. Due to the current high inventory levels, it is anticipated that the majority of plants will reopen during June and July.
Stephen Harrison, Chief Executive at Forterra said: “This move means that we are able to support our housebuilder customers as they also begin the process of returning to work over the coming days and weeks, ramping up our production as and when inventory and demand from the market requires.
“This return to business is encouraging and we must all adjust to new ways of working that ensure the safety of our staff and our customers and the continued success of our industry.”
Wienerberger has announced plans are now underway for a phased return to manufacturing, to support the needs of the industry as the rate of reopening gathers momentum.
On the 26th March, the company announced its decision to close manufacturing facilities until at least the end of April. This was in line with advice from the Government and Public Health England to minimise the spread of COVID-19 and support the national effort to stay home and stay safe. However, after reviewing its health and safety protocols and implementing changes that will allow working in accordance with PHE guidelines, the company anticipate a return to full production at the vast majority of its brick and roof tile manufacturing facilities in the coming weeks.
Despite the halting of manufacturing, over recent weeks Wienerberger’s yards have remained open, operating a reduced workforce in full compliance with all social distancing requirements, to ensure vital areas of the industry are serviced effectively. The use of technology has also been accelerated to ensure staff, customers and suppliers were connected and to enable the delivery of essential services.
The company notes that “thanks to the ingenuity, speed and adaptability of its engineering and H&S teams,” it has been able to remodel operating processes and modify its factories, all achieved whilst working almost entirely remotely.
Keith Barker, Managing Director at Wienerberger UK, commented: “I am excited about this return to production and the opportunities it provides. This signals the resumption of UK construction activity but will require the accommodation of new ways of working to ensure the health and safety of our colleagues and customers as activity builds within the sector.
“We are reactivating our business in sync with the wider economic recovery, recognising that flexibility, agility and innovation will be crucial when embracing the emerging new reality. When combined with our solid business foundations, international backing, and strong supply chain partners, we are confident that Wienerberger can support customers and play a key role in getting Britain building again.”
