Changes to our Business due to COVID-19
Dear Valued Customer,
As we continue to monitor the Covid-19 pandemic and its effect on the global economy, we wanted to reach out and provide you with an update about how VHM Solutions is handling the situation and the potential impact on our services. We have planned in order to remain fully operational to continue providing our services to you. Across all of our divisions, we have implemented continuity plans and strategies both internally plus with manufacturing and logistics supply chains to ensure our customers receive quality services with potential areas of impact being minimized.
Health & Safety
We have placed an increased emphasis on hygiene and health monitoring in the workplace. Preventive hygiene guidelines and precautionary measures are in effect and all the measures we have taken follow the recommendations and guidelines of government and health authorities.
Flexible Working Arrangements
As part of these measures, our staff will be rostered to work from home on certain days. For the time being, the physical office and workshop will remain open to some management staff but closed for visitors, contractors and staff where they are able to work from home. You will still be able to telephone us as normal and be transferred to any one of the VHM Solutions Team or get in contact via any other usual means.
Business Meetings
Out of concern for the wellbeing of our team and customers, we have cancelled all non-essential travel and face-to-face meetings. We will be utilizing virtual communication technology such as the telephone or programs such as Google Places and Skype wherever possible. We have been able to conduct a consultation to the site via virtual means and this has worked well to mitigate disruption to client operations where we can’t attend the site due to travel restrictions. Any forthcoming meetings can be undertaken via virtual means or by telephone. We look forward to being able to attend meetings in person again once the threat has passed.
Inventory & Turnaround
VHM Solutions has significant stockholding in Australia and has taken the precaution of increasing stockholdings to counter potential shortages as quickly as possible. As our supply chains are non-Chinese, minimal impact on production and dispatch has derived from this virus.
Logistics
Whilst our supply chains are outside of China and production capabilities have not had a serious impact, with multiple countries enforcing lockdowns and border restrictions, there are some logistical factors that truly are out of our control. Airlines have cancelled flights and shipments are taking longer to reach their destinations while facing the challenge of limited capacity and increased rates. With these contributing factors in mind, we will strive to manage that schedules are adhered to as much as possible, and we seek your kind understanding that there might be delays.
Pricing
As you are no doubt aware, there has been a significant impact on the Australian dollar due to the current global situation leading to its devaluation. This, coupled with increased logistics rates and the like has put considerable pressure on pricing. It has reached the extent that we have no choice but to modestly elevate the pricing of some product lines approximately 2-3% to account for the exchange rate and logistics costs. With this in mind, we must adhere to strict 30 days terms on pricing validity. If your quote has gone outside of 30 days, please contact us to re-quote.
Our Commitment
The VHM Solutions team is ready to adapt to any critical situation that presents itself. Our teams will remain transparent with any barriers faced and offer the best advice on how to prepare for this during the pricing phase. We will exhaust our supply chains on both manufacturing and logistics to ensure your business impact is minimized throughout this crisis. We understand that many businesses and individuals are feeling the horrible effects of COVID-19 and we wish everyone the very best as we work through it together.
Please stay safe, stay healthy and stay as positive as you can. Remember if your mental health is being impacted throughout, please reach out to any of the services such as Lifeline for support as soon as you can. You do not have to deal with this alone, we are all in this together.
VHM Solutions Pty Ltd
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