Burnley firm VEKA announces plans to reopen

Burnley firm VEKA has announced plans to reopen following 'positive' lockdown measures – but still urges caution.
VEKAVEKA
VEKA

The PVCu systems manufacturer, based in Rossendale Road Industrial Estate, temporarily ceased operations on Sunday, March 29th, to help halt the spread of Covid-19.

The Burnley bondholder did reopen part of its mixing plant two weeks ago in order to supply a material essential in the building of the UK’s temporary Nightingale hospitals.

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But managing director Dave Jones has now said the firm is moving towards a full reopening – starting on Monday, May 11th – providing measures outlined by the Government are met at the end of this extended lockdown.

He said: "As part of the global VEKA group, throughout the past month, we’ve been liaising closely with our European counterparts, who are slightly ahead of the UK curve and are starting to recommence operations.

"We have also been following Government guidance and are feeling positive that the lockdown efforts of the past month, and weeks to come are showing some promising effects. That coupled with a number of conversations with industry bodies, stakeholders and customers alike have influenced our decision to reopen.

"Therefore, providing that the measures outlined by the Government are met at the end of this extended lockdown period, VEKA plc aims to recommence operations from 11th May 2020.

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"From 4th May, customer services representatives will be on-hand to discuss and process any outstanding orders and to process new orders in readiness for the following week; 11th May. We would urge our customers to place orders via e-shop wherever possible.

"Please note that from 11th May, we will have a limited workforce in place to support and fulfill customer demand as we recognise that it may take some time to recover and reach typical business volumes.

"As such, in this initial phase, we would expect changes to some 'normal' delivery dates as we deal with an unclear and ever moving level of demand and attempt to secure some operational and transport efficiencies. We will continue to monitor demand and scale up our business accordingly in the coming weeks and months.

"Despite our return, keeping our employees and customers safe remains a key priority, therefore we’ve put strict safety and social distancing measures in place throughout the UK site and all employees who can work from home will continue to do so."