After the coronavirus (Covid-19) started to spread, China quickly went into lockdown, resulting in significant disruption to business and society. But for some industries – such as packaging manufacturers supplying the pharmaceutical industry – it was busier than ever.
There was a huge increase in demand for specific pharmaceutical goods, necessitating the production of pharmaceutical packaging in large quantities. Companies like Global Printing, Foshan Huaxin Printing, Tianjin Yiyao Printing, Shandong Luxin Tianyi Printing and Harbin Yinhai Printing went into overdrive to meet demand for packaging for medicines and medical supplies.
These manufacturers produced millions of boxes for essential supplies to help the Chinese health workers fight the epidemic that was sweeping through China. Staff and machines worked overtime to meet the demand. All five manufacturers were able to rely on the speed, accuracy and reliability of BOBST machinery to ensure uptime was maximized and demand across the country was met.
“In response to the current situation, many pharmaceutical manufactures urgently adjusted their production plans to increase the production of related products which impacted on our customers that manufacture packaging for the sector,” said Cyril Ruiz-Moise, General Manager of Bobst Shanghai. “The effort and dedication that BOBST and converters’ employees at customer sites have shown is quite remarkable given the circumstances. We are committed to ensuring we can support them in any way we can.”
Supportive measures for extraordinary times
Bobst Shanghai undertook several measures to help its customers who were under extreme pressure. The company opened emergency channels to facilitate requests for spare parts and liaised with logistics companies to ensure deliveries were on time. When customers’ machines required servicing, BOBST offered its Connected Services tool, where BOBST experts are available in real time to address the most technical difficulties immediately.
What’s more, after Bobst Shanghai itself had a temporary preventative closure to minimize the spread of Covid-19, the site was able to reopen very swiftly, having implemented a comprehensive plan and task force to ensure employee health and wellbeing. From February 12, Bobst Shanghai was able to resume manufacturing, procurement and distribution, while undertaking a series of prevention and control, health and safety measures relating to plant disinfection, staff dining and transportation.
“We just want to say thank you to all of our customers in China who have been achieving extraordinary things over the last few weeks,” said Cyril Ruiz-Moise. “We are delighted to have been able to support them. I believe that the implementation of the Bobst China 4.0 strategy two years ago really helped in this regard. Built on ‘Proximity’ and ‘Performance’, the strategy was developed to ensure customers are guaranteed the best in Swiss-quality technology with local production and local customer support. These are qualities that I hope proved to be of value during this very challenging time.”
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