To All Our Business Partners

RE: UK Government Lockdown Announcement

Following the UK Government announcement on 23rd March, that all non-essential premises must now close, Airedale announced measures to temporarily scale back business operations in order to support the national effort in minimising the spread of Covid-19 (coronavirus).

Due to the critical role our business plays in supporting UK and International key infrastructure (such as data centres, healthcare, energy, telecommunications and pharmaceuticals), it has been determined by the management team that Airedale must continue to operate during this national emergency, albeit at a reduced capacity.

We are still seeing enquiries, receiving orders, making deliveries and fielding requests for commissioning, spare parts and technical support, from industries like the ones above, who must continue to operate at all costs during this unprecedented time.

Airedale took the decision on 25th March to operate at a reduced capacity in our manufacturing plant in order to keep producing products, whilst increasing social distancing and therefore safety for our people. At the same time we also increased the ability of our workforce to work from home, with several measures in place to support both this and the safety of people who remain at work.

Airedale fully intends to scale up operations as soon as the Government restrictions are lifted and have retained all permanent staff. Open orders for component parts are still in place and our order book is being managed day-by-day, the aim being that we are back up to full speed as efficiently and quickly as possible as soon as the situation allows.

We understand that this unprecedented situation will be a concern for staff and customers alike, including those customers that hold service contracts with Airedale. We have therefore put the following list together to show how different functions of the business will be operating during this temporary period:

Sales / Account Management
Sales staff are working from home, but with some reduced capacity. Where not available, their automated out of office reply will offer an alternative contact point.
Enquiries / Quotations Our Airedale support team remain available within the usual office hours, albeit working remotely in some cases. Please direct enquiries via e-mail where possible and use connect@airedale.com if required, which will be constantly monitored.

Leadtimes
As you will no doubt understand, leadtimes will change and be dynamic as a result of scaling back capacity. We are also closely monitoring our suppliers, as disruption to our incoming component supply chain is also expected and may impact production. We are doing what we can to prioritise critical projects, including data centres, telecommunications, healthcare and pharmaceuticals. Please support us by regularly communicating with us on site-readiness and delivery dates. If you have an open order with Airedale, rest assured we will be in touch over the coming days to discuss.

New Orders
We are still accepting new equipment and spares orders, with the caveat that leadtimes may be longer than usual and subject to change.
Manufacturing As mentioned above, we will be operating on a reduced capacity in order to increase the safety of our employees. We have contingency stocks of key components and all orders currently in production will be completed without major delay.

Factory Acceptance Tests
We are strongly advising customers to either postpone/cancel upcoming witness tests or conduct them remotely (via video facilities).

Delivery
As of the 6th April, our logistics partners are still operating but at a level of reduced capacity in some instances.

Commissioning
Our Commissioning team is still able to attend site, providing we are happy they are safe and any risk minimised. Site inductions are of particular concern at the moment so please review procedures to ensure social distancing is adhered to.

Technical Support
Our Technical Support team is operating at a slightly reduced capacity. Please use individual e-mail where possible or use connect@airedale.com, which will be constantly monitored.
Spares Our Spares department is operating as normal. Please call +44 (0) 113 239 1000, e-mail spares@airedale.com or fill in an enquiry form at www.airedale.com. Please note carriers may be affected during this time.

Service / Maintenance
Our field service engineers will prioritise emergency repairs. Where schedules allow and subject to social distancing, PPMs will be carried out where possible. If you are a contract holder with Airedale, please use your normal 24hr hotline for any work.

Given the severity and fluidity of the situation, we are monitoring the situation closely and will keep you, as our valued customer, duly updated on any development. We appreciate your patience, understanding and loyalty during these difficult times.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this news, please speak to your usual Airedale contact and we will endeavour to assist. If your usual contact is out of office as part of the furlough scheme, you will receive an out of office reply to any emails which will nominate alternative contact points. In the meantime, stay safe, stay indoors where possible and look after yourselves and your families.

Best Regards,

Anthony Cole, Managing Director, Airedale International