Having started 2020 on track, the Felix Schoeller Group recently announced that it is increasingly feeling the effects of the coronavirus pandemic from the markets. The number of orders received is declining, which is having an impact on machine occupancy. The company reports that it is preparing for this by systematically shutting down paper machines and finishing units.

To react to the change in demand, short-time working was announced at the German plants, affecting approximately 2,100 of the 3,600 employees worldwide. “Our current sales situation presents us with great challenges,” said Hans-Christoph Gallenkamp, CEO. “We are reacting to this by flexibly adjusting our production volume to demand. In this way we are creating important conditions for the further economic stability of the company.”

The company has adopted an activity plan for all its German sites, strengthened hygiene standards, expanded cleaning chains, and set rules for meetings and social interaction. In addition, a large number of employees work from home. “The protection of our employees is our top priority,” said Gallenkamp. “We took a number of measures early on to contain the risks of infection with Covid-19.”

The Felix Schoeller Group reports that it is optimistic about developments in China, with all Chinese joint venture machines producing according to plan since March 2020. “We are also seeing the first signs of a market recovery in our joint venture in China,” said Gallenkamp. “After a two-month production cutback, our plants are picking up speed again.”

For more information, visit www.felix-schoeller.com.