I wanted to provide you with an update on Forterra’s latest response to market challenges of handling the impact of the Coronavirus.
As previously communicated, our brick and block production facilities have been closed in order to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our employees and in line with government guidance. Although not currently manufacturing, these sites remain in an operational state. A skeleton staff has been retained at all brick sites to preserve the kiln conditions so they can be restarted easily when required. This means that we shall be in a position to commence brick production within five to seven days of a restart being agreed. Our Thermalite and aggregate block facilities could be restarted within two days.
Inventory levels across all products remain strong, with most products being available ex stock. This comfortable position has allowed deliveries to continue and orders to be fulfilled. This security of supply has been further ensured by having our fully owned and dedicated distribution fleet available and operational. This has also allowed us to put in place stringent delivery practices - such as one driver per lorry - that fully comply with social distancing requirements to protect both our own employees and those of our customers.
From an administrative perspective, our external sales force and our back-office functions are working remotely ensuring that the business continues to operate with full capability.
Putting these measures in place means that Forterra is able to continue to support your essential delivery requirements, and you can channel your order, product or technical enquiries to your usual Forterra contact.
I would like to thank you for your continued support and business as we all work through these extraordinary market conditions. Rest assured that when some sense of normality resumes, we shall be well placed to get back to what we do best.
Stephen Harrison
Chief Executive
Forterra