Ball & Doggett has implemented new measures to protect the safety of its staff, customers and suppliers following the increasing number of coronavirus cases.
The company’s Australia general manager Luke Wilkinson said this involves ceasing of all face-to-face customer visits until further notice.
“In these challenging times, the health and wellbeing of our staff, customers and suppliers is our first priority. Effective immediately, we are taking the precautionary measure to cease all face-to-face customer visits, until further notice,” he said.
But business will still go on, with the company support staff available on mobile landline or email.
“We do not take this decision lightly and are confident we can continue to maintain a high level of service to support your business. Our experienced team of sales executives, business development executives and national managers remain on-hand and can be contacted via mobile, landline or email,” Wilkinson said.
“You can continue to place orders via email, phone, our online ordering portal and access important information via the Ball & Doggett website. We will make regular contact to check if we can be of any further support.”
Wilkinson also provided an update on the business’ paper supply in Australia, saying that its supply is “being impacted due to a number of factors in the global supply chain”, which includes pulp and paper manufacturing, supply of associated raw materials and shipping.
“Our mill partners have advised to expect between two to four weeks in delays in delivery, depending on the supplier/region,” he added.
“Our inventory levels remain strong so we don’t expect any supply issues in the short- to medium-term. We have instigated a number of initiatives to mitigate future supply issues.”
This includes the sourcing of additional volume from local suppliers where applicable, redirecting volume to suppliers in less affected regions, and providing supply partners with regular forecasts to secure machine and shipping allocation.
The company has also developed “a comprehensive business continuity plan” if COVID-19 impacts its national operations.
“We will continue to provide updates as things evolve,” Wilkinson said.
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