Information for our customers

Ladies and gentlemen,

On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic. In recent days, the situation surrounding the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the new respiratory disease COVID-19 has developed very dynamically. In the meantime, the German Robert Koch Institute estimates the risk situation to be "high".

The further spread of the virus and the resulting numerous government measures such as curfews, border closures and the declaration of restricted areas make the situation even more confusing.

Our production facilities are directly affected by the pandemic. An increasing number of employees is absent from work due to government orders to restrict movement, prevent infection or quarantine. As a result, production plans can no longer be kept and delivery dates have to be adjusted to the new situation.

Subcontractors and suppliers also report problems in meeting their contractual obligations. Some individual deliveries already cannot be produced on schedule or, due to transport and logistics restrictions, although available, can no longer be carried out.

It is our social obligation and our responsibility to our employees, visitors and business partners to do everything possible to prevent the further spread of the virus. We are therefore forced to bring forward the shutdown of our plant in Lindlar Kaiserau, originally planned for summer, and will close the plant for the time being in calendar weeks 14 and 15, and possibly also week 16.

We assure you that we consistently implement the requirements of the authorities and institutes for the protection of our employees at all locations in order to protect you, our customers, from a further spread of the pandemic in your company.

In order to maintain as far as possible the ability to act of our plant in Lindlar, meetings have been switched to telephone or video conferences, and administrative staff are now in their home offices to ensure that we can resume full capacity after the shutdown. Our shift models and access regulations have been adapted so that employees no longer meet in person at shift changes. All of this will help us to ensure to get back to the agreed deliveries and services as quickly as possible.

In this very challenging and extraordinary situation for all of us, we ask our customers for their understanding for the measures taken and thank them for the trust they have placed in our company. In the coming days we will check all delivery promises and inform you of potential changes.

Our employees are currently available for you as usual and will be happy to answer your questions. In the weeks of the shutdown, we will work with a reduced team, but we will ensure availability as far as possible.

With best regards,

Schmidt + Clemens GmbH + Co. KG