Coronavirus update: 20 March

2 mins read

Your daily roundup of coronavirus news in the manufacturing industry

1145: Kellogg's launches emergency recruitment drive

Kellogg's is urgently looking for additional members of staff at its Manchester factory to help the company meet demand from customers for its products during the coronavirus measures. Anyone experienced in food manufacturing operations or with transferable technical skills are being asked to visit the Kellogg Careers Website (https://www.kelloggcareers.com/global/home.html) and other Jobs sites and apply.

Paul Wrigley, the site leader at Kellogg’s Manchester factory, said: “At this time, our focus is on making all the food we can to help feed Britain. We have an amazingly dedicated team here at our Manchester factory who are doing a fantastic job keeping things going. But as demand increases, so does our need for great people. That’s why I’d ask anyone with the right skills and a great attitude to get in contact with us so we can talk to them about a fixed term role.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1130: Pallet networks join to form critical supplies supply chain

The UK’s eight pallet networks have joined together, says the Association of Pallet Networks (APN), to offer their services for the movement of emergency supplies for critical services.

The UK’s pallet networks are uniquely placed to ensure timely and reliable supply of emergency goods to anywhere in the UK. Between them they have 30,000 employees, 750 depots, a fleet of 23,500 vehicles and offer 100% coverage by postcode.

Moreover pallet network members are leading distribution specialists within their own regions, so they already know their regional distribution centres, essential businesses, hospitals and community hubs.

APN Chairman Paul Sanders says: “We are uniquely placed to offer our services to ensure that emergency supplies coming from anywhere and destined for any corner of the UK, can be delivered quickly, safely and reliably to support critical services, whether in rural or urban settings.

“We would urge the government to take advantage of our unique skills set and infrastructure at this time of national crisis.”

“The supply of emergency supplies for critical operations – not least ensuring food in our supermarkets and well stocked pharmacies and hospitals – is one of the most important aspects of protecting the UK public during this crisis.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

0900: Bentley suspends production

Bentley Motors is to stop production at its Crewe factory from today for four weeks.

Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, said: “The well-being of our colleagues is our number one priority and although this was a difficult decision to take, and doesn’t change our strategic direction, it was necessary to protect them as best we can during these unprecedented times. This will inevitably have an impact on our deliveries to customers, and we apologise for the inconvenience this causes, however we are working hard to minimize this disruption. Our thoughts continue to go out to all those affected around the world throughout this very sad and difficult time for so many people.’