‘Potential supply chain impact of COVID-19 coronavirus is immense and unpredictable’
The company, which is based in North America and has subsidiaries in Europe and South America, says it is working hard to ensure its products reach customers during this time.
Proactive
“We stay committed to proactively manage our supply chain and monitor the labor situation,” said John Hrdlick, president/CEO, INX International.
“We are in constant communication with our suppliers and are monitoring local and international logistics and freight forwarders, especially in high-risk areas around the globe.”
INX is monitoring the availability of raw materials and the current inventory of its facilities including on-hand, in-transit and other order quantities.
“As specific questions about a customer’s material and inventory levels arise, we ask that they direct those questions to your regional supply chain contact for a more detailed response,” added Hrdlick.
INX International has developed a questionnaire with frequently asked questions to keep customers informed of the situation. With questions that centre around China, the company says, in the rare chance raw materials are contaminated by the virus, it is not active after it has been on the surface for several hours.
"Our raw materials from China are shipped via ocean freight, which takes two months for delivery. Based on this information, we are confident saying our raw materials are free of virus," the firm states.
Emergency contingency plans
"The spread of the coronavirus is unpredictable and global at this point. We manage risk on a regular basis and have even heightened the awareness as the outbreak is very fluid and continues to spread.
"All of our major manufacturing locations maintain Emergency Contingency Plans that address all potential disruptions that might occur. We are constantly assessing our global capabilities and capacities in order to meet customer demands in the event other regions have disruptions in their manufacturing."
INX International says its raw materials from China are mainly various pigments and photoinitiators. The vendors involved maintain inventory in US warehouses of 60-90 days and have increased inventories to 90 days or more when the crisis started.
"Since then all China vendors reopened their factories and the pipeline is being filled. We remain confident at this time we will be able to fulfil customer needs," it says.
"We have instituted travel, meeting, delivery and shipment policies to best address concerns based on our current knowledge. These policies include companywide workplace prevention initiatives, travel and meeting restrictions, and educational initiatives. Rules and laws may differ in countries outside the US, and we are working with all our worldwide personnel to assure best practices and compliance."
