Holz-Her: Supporting UK Industry

Q: How is the Weinig Group’s experience in the industry helping the business react to the COVID-19 pandemic?

A: We’ve been in business 114 years and have overcome a lot in our time, including two world wars and several global recessions that have threatened our industry. By living through these challenging times and adopting a long-term business framework, our company is resilient, resourceful and highly adaptable to the changing climate we find ourselves in today. In short, this means we’ve been able to modify our business practises quickly so we can focus on the important thing: our customers.

Q: What actions are being taken by Weinig UK to continue offering the best service it can to its customers?

A: Without our team, there is no Holz-Her in the UK. That’s why our staff’s health is paramount during this time. Every member of staff – regardless of their position within the company – has been given the opportunity to either continue their daily roles (albeit restricted by the ongoing advice given by the government and World Health Organisation), or work remotely. We have put a strategic framework in place to accommodate these personal choices without affecting the service we offer to our customers. All normal activities of the company have been suspended until after Easter subject to national advice. The office is not staffed and engineers cannot travel but we can offer telephone and online support where possible.

Q: What measures have been put in place to minimise the risk of exposure or spreading by the company´s engineers and sales team?

A: The Holz-Her UK sales team will no longer be visiting customers without a prior invitation. The sales team and engineers have also been given strict guidelines to assess each job individually before entering the premises, with a form needing to be completed by those working at each company. If the personal risk is deemed unacceptable and there is a potential exposure risk, the job will be revisited at a later date.

Q: Are spare parts still in stock and available to be shipped at this time and should customers have any reason to be concerned about stocks or deliveries?

A: For now, we have a stock of parts in our UK head quarters however, the measures introduced by the government effectively mean we cannot make deliveries. We suggest, if you are still working and need a part, that you speak with one of our spares team available on the phone who will be able to place it on order for delivery as soon as life returns to a degree of normality.

Q: If customers are struggling financially, what should they do?

A: The most important thing our customers need to do if they are experiencing any financially difficulty, is talk to us. We are here for them and we don’t want anyone to struggle in silence. It’s in our interest to help our customers through these challenging times. Remember, communication is key and we’re here for you every step of the way.

Q: For those customers expecting a Holz-Her machine to be delivered in the coming days or weeks, what advice do you have for them?

A: We have been in touch with all customers who have a machine in the delivery pipeline and explained the situation. The responses have been positive and we thank each one of these companies for their understanding. We shall keep them all individually informed.

Q: What advice can you give to your customers during this time?

A: We are here to support you. We know that by working together, we can overcome the difficulties we all face in these uncertain times. We find ourselves in unprecedented times but this doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of these quieter periods. Use this time to think strategically about your future and engage in discussions with Weinig UK remotely about your company’s future.

We don’t just sell machinery. We offer advice to help our customers improve their manufacturing cycle and productivity rates. Regardless of where we are in the country, you can still have a detailed conversation with a member of our team about the best way forward for your business without any sales pressure whatsoever.

The industry will bounce back from this and we want to ensure that all Holz-Her customers hit the ground running when it does!