Wienerberger has announced that plans are now underway for a phased return to manufacturing, to support the needs of the industry, as the rate of reopening gathers momentum.
On March 26, 2020, the company announced the decision to close its manufacturing facilities until at least the end of April. This was in line with advice from the government and Public Health England (PHE) to minimise the spread of COVID-19 and support the national effort to stay home and stay safe.
However, after reviewing its health and safety protocols and implementing changes that will allow working in accordance with PHE guidelines, the company anticipates a return to full production at the vast majority of its brick and roof tile manufacturing facilities in the coming weeks.
Despite the halting of manufacturing, over recent weeks, Wienerberger’s yards have remained open, operating a reduced workforce in full compliance with all social distancing requirements, to ensure vital areas of the industry are serviced effectively. The use of technology has also been accelerated to ensure staff, customers and suppliers were connected and to enable the delivery of essential services.
In a statement, the company, said: “Thanks to the ingenuity, speed and adaptability of our engineering and health and safety teams, we have been able to remodel our operating processes and modify our factories, which have all been achieved whilst working almost entirely remotely.”
Keith Barker, managing director at Wienerberger UK, added: “I am excited about this return to production and the opportunities it provides. This signals the resumption of UK construction activity, but will require the accommodation of new ways of working to ensure the health and safety of our colleagues and customers as activity builds within the sector.
“We are reactivating our business in sync with the wider economic recovery, recognising that flexibility, agility and innovation will be crucial when embracing the emerging new reality. When combined with our solid business foundations, international backing, and strong supply chain partners, we are confident that Wienerberger can support customers and play a key role in getting Britain building again.”
