Palfinger open for business

Palfinger North America is to remain “open for business” during the Coronavirus outbreak, but has brought in measures to help protect its staff and customers, as well as ensure the continued running of its operations.

A statement from its North America leadership team said, “We are doing our best to monitor the latest local, national and international news about Coronavirus (Covid-19). Like many of you, keeping our valued employees, suppliers, partners and customers sage and healthy is a top priority.”

While all 17 of its manufacturing, sales and services locations in the United States, Canada and Mexico are to continue to operating, the company said that it would follow all local and national health and safety mandates in addition to its own global corporate policies.

The measures brought in by Palfinger North America include the cancellation of large group meetings and the implementation of social distancing. It has also increased cleaning practices and has asked employees who can work from home to do so.

In addition to limiting the number of visitors to its locations, the manufacturer has also instituted a no handshake policy and is asking members of staff to stay home if they feel unwell. 

Despite cancelling its convention and trade show appearances and also stopping its university and operator training classes, Palfinger said, “If our customers remain willing to work, so do we.”

As part of its continuity strategy, Palfinger said it was working closely with its vendors to ensure its inventories remained fully stocked and to minimise supply chain disruptions.

The manufacturer’s in-house service teams and mobile service technicians will remain on duty, alongside its parts departments.

To ensure shipping and delivery requirements, Palfinger said it has overtime and back up plans in place to cope with any staff shortages that may occur as a result of Coronavirus.

While the company acknowledged that new equipment deliveries might be impacted due to the closing of borders and travel restrictions, it said it would strive to keep things on schedule.

News on the impact of the coronavirus on the construction industry and other equipment manufacturers is regularly updated here.