Shanghai employees wear face masks and keep a safe distance
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the world as we know it, especially when it comes to conducting business. One of the first places touched by the virus was China, where Hallite has a main office and a manufacturing facility in Shanghai — less than 700 kilometers (a little more than 400 miles) from the pandemic’s original epicenter in Wuhan. From the beginning of the global crisis, Hallite’s team in Shanghai took a proactive approach to protect employee health and safety. Best practices adopted from working through previous pandemics such as SARS and Swine Flu coupled with prevention guidelines provided by the local government and the Michelin Group were quickly implemented.
Disinfection and temperature checks help office staff stay healthy
The local government lockdown in Shanghai lasted for 20 days, beginning on January 23.
Hallite was busy in advance, collecting information and preparing to respond to the pandemic by ordering masks, disinfectants, thermometers, and hand sanitizers. The team was ready and equipped to implement all appropriate safety measures. Such measures included taking employee temperatures twice a day, disinfecting public areas and personal items, distributing and requiring employees to wear masks, and practicing social distancing at all times. There were 638 confirmed coronavirus cases in the city of Shanghai with no confirmed cases at Hallite.
Seating separation at mealtime promotes safety
“Not only did we take care of our employees, but we also took care of our customers and partners,” said Vincent Chong, Managing Director for Hallite Shanghai. “For example, two customers were unable to obtain masks, so we shared what we had in stock, and we also helped distributors purchase thermometers for temperature screening. Restricted supplier deliveries and visits from outsiders to the premises are an important preventative measure that we continue to practice, keeping our community safe and healthy.”
No delays in customer deliveries
On the manufacturing floor in Shanghai, both Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and injection moulding machines produce a variety of both machined and moulded sealing products. With operations shuttered, constant communication and updates between staff and distributors about the production situation played a critical role in avoiding product delays to customers. By prioritizing delivery to essential end-users, like mining, for example, and working with the U.K. manufacturing team in Hampton, Hallite met the industry’s demand for hydraulic fluid power sealing products without delay. The Shanghai facility resumed production on February 12.
“With production resumed, we are helping customers clear their backlogs,’’ said Vincent.
“And as we move ahead, we remain focused on monitoring the global health situation to respond in a way that ensures our employees, customers, and suppliers will receive the best support now, through the recovery, and in the future.”
