As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, Durst, has closed its production headquarters in Brixen, northern Italy from March 16 to 27 with the company continuing to provide core services globally through employees working from home.
The decision to temporarily cease production was made by the family-owned Italian manufacturer of advanced digital technology to protect employees, customers and their families from the coronavirus COVID-19 that is particularly impacting Italy at the moment.
Durst Oceania managing director Matt Ashman says despite the temporary shut down in Brixen it is business as usual for Durst with the Durst Oceania office in Melbourne working to distribute parts and provide customer service.
Ashman says the company globally launched a disaster management plan four weeks ago to pre-empt any closure and as such has sufficient stockpiles of spare parts, pigments and ink ingredients on hand to ensure all customer needs can be met in the interim.
“We’ve been planning for this and have been stockpiling our ink and other safety stock for the last three months,” Ashman told Sprinter.
“We are here to support our customers and that is why we set up Durst Oceania. The message from the Durst board, the CEO and the owner is number one we must keep our staff, our families and our customers safe and then continue supporting our customers’ businesses.”
Ashman says he will continue to update Durst customers in the region as more news comes to hand on this rapidly evolving issue.
Durst customers in Australia and New Zealand are urged to contact Ashman and the team at Durst Oceania if they have any concerns regarding ink supply, spare parts or other issues.
“At Durst we are lucky as we have extended “family” around the globe and we are establishing safety stock across the globe to meet customers’ demands in both ink, consumables and spare parts and service,” Ashman said.
“Here in Australia we have significantly increased stocks across the board and will be closely monitoring demand and supply on a daily basis. It is clear we may see an impact on freight services locally and as such please talk to
us so we can support you especially with ink.
“If you have a large job approaching, and will need more ink, contact us in advance and we will do everything to ensure continuity of supply. Likewise if you have a downturn or are in need of shutdown due to quarantine measures, please contact us. We can help with support on maintenance for your machines and control of ink stocks.
“Above all we must all keep safe.”
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