Global automation major, Beckhoff Automation, has said that it is producing at full capacity with a constant order intake despite the COVID-19 pandemic. “We do not intend to implement short-time work for our employees or other production cuts,” says managing owner Hans Beckhoff. “We can complete all customer orders with largely normal delivery times. The basis for this production reliability is the company’s foresighted long-term warehouse planning, which stocks both raw materials and finished goods for a total of about six months.”
The company said that delivery of its products via parcel services and freight forwarders in Germany and the EU area have been proceeding without disruptions. Only the remaining border controls in some countries may cause short delays of up to one day. Airfreight capacities are lower due to the current situation, as many machines remain on the ground and there are generally fewer departures.
However, the company has not experienced any significant disruptions in this area either. “We can deliver regularly and very reliably to almost all countries, including China, the USA, India, and Israel, for example,” says Hans Beckhoff.
Alternative sales channels and digital customer communication
Since exhibitions, customer seminars, and other industry events are not taking place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Beckhoff is focusing on alternative ways of providing its customers with digital access and information on new products.
“The dialogue between our engineers and the engineers at the customer’s site is essential for successful automation projects. To this end, we naturally rely on various digital communication channels, which are constantly developing further and positively, both internally and externally,” says Hans Beckhoff.
In order to stay in touch with customers, the company’s product and technology experts are offering various webinars. Beckhoff says it is also possible to have individual technology demonstrations and customer presentations on special requirements.
Worldwide protection measures against Covid-19
In order to protect its employees and customers, Beckhoff is undertaking comprehensive hygiene measures and a two-shift system in production that is separated in space and time. In addition, 80% of the employees from the administration and engineering departments in Germany will continue to work at home for the next two weeks.
“After that, we will decide whether there will be a gradual return to the workplace,” says Hans Beckhoff.
Furthermore, the company’s comprehensive security concept, which provides immediate observation quarantine for suspicious cases, is also taking effect. There are various protective quarantine regulations for employees who belong to a health risk group. “Fortunately, we have been able to prevent infections within the company so far,” says Hans Beckhoff.
