Covid-19 Update from Regal Cutting Tools
March 19, 2020
As a key manufacturer of taps, drills and other cutting tools, Regal Cutting Tools’ top priority is to protect our people, our distributor partners and our capacity to serve our customers.
The management of Regal Cutting Tools is cognizant about the ongoing threat posed the novel corona-virus (COVID-19) to the health and safety of our employees, visitors and the communities in which we live and work. We recommend that all employees follow the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for the prevention and treatment of the virus. In response to the spread of the corona-virus (COVID-19), we are implementing our previously established business continuity plans, as well as additional contingency strategies and planning resources.
We are assuring all customers that our plans and procedures cover all aspects of our plant operations, logistics, supply chain and inventory. These procedures are designed to ensure that maximum service levels are maintained and to minimize the impact caused by any disruptions.
Both of our manufacturing plants located in Loris, SC and Roscoe, IL are continuing to manufacture our products to ensure continuity of support for our Partners and End Customers. We have instituted the following procedures and policies:
- We have closed our offices and plants to visitors and job applicants at this time. Only requested suppliers, repair personnel and raw material deliveries are allowed.
- Face to face meetings have been cancelled unless essential to the business and no viable alternative is available. If a face to face meeting is required, 6-foot and other social distancing measures are followed. This includes both internal and external meetings. Phone contacts, e-mail and Facetime, Go to Meeting conferences have been instituted as a replacement.
- We are continuously monitoring the health and working conditions of our facilities. We have provided disinfectant wipes, sprays and hand sanitizers at numerous locations and encouraged their use. As recommended by the CDC, we are encouraging frequent hand washing and sanitation to control the spread of this virus.
- Key employees that are able to work remotely have been encouraged to do so.
- We are encouraging our independent manufacturing representative sales force to also limit their face to face contact with both distributor and end user customers and to utilize enhanced phone, e-mail and on line meeting opportunities.
While we are taking every possible precaution, there is always the risk that an employee in one of our facilities could test positive with COVID-19 at some point. If that were to occur, there could possibly be a manufacturing disruption as we would follow the OSHA guidelines established for handling the COVID-19 virus.
To mitigate the supply chain risk associated with a facility closure to our valued End Customers, I am requesting that you place an order with your distributor partner for an extra 2 weeks of the standard products that are most critical to your manufacturing needs.
This is not a “promotion” or a “gimmick” to increase sales. I am only suggesting this action to mitigate of risk of supply chain disruption to our Distributor Partners and to our End Customers.
These are challenging times for all us, but I’m confident that if we all do the right things and support those most in need during this crisis that we will prevail and ultimately be stronger as a community.
If you have any questions or need any special support, please contact our sales team or our customer service teams.
We wish all of you, your families and your co-workers continued health and prosperity.
Steven C. Shoup
National Sales Manager