24.03.2020

Update on plant closures

An increasing number of manufacturers are announcing temporary suspensions to production as the effects of the Covid-19 virus continues to grow.

Italian manufacturers had largely adapted to cope with the new reality, and as of last week were mostly maintaining full production, however the government forced a change to all that on Sunday, when it announced that all companies must close for two weeks. Most have or are implementing systems to ensure the continued supply of spare parts.

Yesterday Oshkosh also announced that JLG will close its US plants from next Monday - March 30th - through until Monday April 13th, while Tadano Demag has said that it will “limit operating activities from now until the end of April”. Annual plant shutdowns have been brought forward, with plants closing until the end of March, while short term working is likely to apply at its two German plants of Lauf and Zweibrücken throughout April. It is however taking steps to add additional capacity from May onwards to catch up with the order backlog. Parts and support will be unaffected.

In France ATN is the latest manufacturer to close and will be shut until the end of the month with parts and service operations still available by telephone or email. National rental group Kiloutou has decided to close most of its branch network but will continue to supply essential equipment for emergencies relating to public health and utilities. Its German operations will remain open.

JCB, Haulotte, Klubb and Wacker Neuson have also closed their plants for at least two weeks - see: Business as usual - almost.

Others are likely to follow suit, and some may have to extend their closures still further. We will update as when we feel it is required.