In the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, MSC have published a joint letter and Q&A from their director aimed at answering the most common questions they're being asked,
Q 1.1: How does the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak impact MSC?
MSC is monitoring the situation and moving quickly to take action and minimise any potential risk to employees, customers and suppliers. We are ensuring our associates are well and in good health, and therefore able to maintain our high service level.
Q 1.2: Is MSC restricting the number of visitors to limit the spread of the Coronavirus?
Yes, since the Coronavirus is affecting a large number of countries, we are asking visitors if they have either visited or been in contact with someone who has visited high- risk areas outlined by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FOC). If they respond affirmatively, we will turn them away from entering our facility. We, therefore, encourage visits to be conducted by teleconference, video conference, Webex, etc., this includes all suppliers.
Q 1.3: How is MSC protecting MSC workers during the Covid-19 outbreak?
MSC is monitoring the outbreak very closely across all our markets worldwide. We are following the recommended health and hygiene practices in all areas of our business. We will continue to observe all official advice and directions on restricting the spread of the outbreak and will keep customers informed where there is any further impact.
Q 1.4: What products are affected?
Due to the worldwide increase in demand for health and safety products, we are currently experiencing high order volumes from customers and extended lead-times from manufacturers. Products affected include respirators, sanitisers, protective coveralls, disposable gloves, eyewear, wipes and cleaners.
Q 1.5: What is MSC doing to improve stocking levels?
The significant increase in worldwide demand is affecting the entire supply chain. We are working alongside our suppliers to improve stock availability, and we will update customers with expected delivery dates on an ongoing basis.
Q 1.6: How does the coronavirus outbreak around the world impact MSC?
We are expecting some delays to shipments. Please expect extra-long lead times on brands: Portwest and Alpha. Due to our traditional high stock levels, we do not anticipate any impact on the supply of non-safety products.
Q 1.7: Can the virus survive on products that has arrived from an affected area?
There is currently no evidence to suggest that the virus can be transmitted from post, packages or parcels.
Q 1.8: Is it ok to send MSC a health questionnaire in advance of any planned
site visits?
Due to the seriousness of the Coronavirus, we understand you need to reduce risks as much as possible and protect the health of employees and visitors. To maintain our high service levels, we will work with you to complete questionnaires in advance of any visits.
Q 1.9: Does your refund policy change during this crisis?
Please note we reserve the right to refuse a refund for purchases made including the affected items listed in Q1.4 purchased until further notice.
Q 1.10: Are you restricting the volume of any orders?
At this moment in time MSC are not restricting order quantities. However, we do reserve the right to restrict volumes for items listed in Q1.4 as we continue to monitor the situation.
The full company letter:
Dear customer,
The impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to cause concern around the world, and it is our aim to remain focused on supporting our customers as well as the well-being of our associates. As a trusted supplier to British manufacturing, we want to ensure you that we have a contingency plan to maintain our high service levels.
We understand the virus has created an international rush for certain products and a level of uncertainty. Therefore, we are writing to inform you of our plans and how we can help you.
What products are affected? Due to the worldwide increase in demand for health and safety products, we are currently experiencing high order volumes from customers and extended lead-times from manufacturers. Products affected include: respirators, sanitisers, protective coveralls, disposable gloves, eyewear, wipes and cleaners.
What is MSC doing to improve stocking levels? The significant increase in worldwide demand is affecting the entire supply chain. We are working alongside our suppliers to improve stock availability, and we will update customers with expected delivery dates on an ongoing basis.
How does the coronavirus outbreak around the world impact MSC? We are expecting some delays to shipments. However, due to our traditional high stocklevels, we do not anticipate any impact on the supply of non-safety products. For more information, please see our Frequently Asked Questions or contact our ustomer services team.
We will continue to monitor the situation related to the coronavirus outbreak and will be taking proactive action to minimise any disruption within the supply chain.
With over 120,000 products, we continue to be well-positioned to support your industrial supplyneeds.
Yours sincerely,
Dave Darby, Managing Director