The situation is not rosy, but it is important to stick together
The KUBOUŠEK Group sells top measuring instruments and technological units, injection molding machines with peripherals and high-end technologies for the plastics industry.
It provides comprehensive services from the creation and implementation of automated cell projects through an accredited laboratory, optimization of production processes to service. And due to the fact that these are fields related primarily to the automotive industry, the company is now facing the interruption of the production by some of its customers. Ivan Kuboušek describes what measures they had to take in the company.
How has the new situation affected the functioning of your company?
COVID-19 changed the lives of everyone. Of course, it also affects us. The priority from the very beginning was the health of employees, which is why we introduced some security measures before our government tightened the quarantine rules. Whoever can, works from home, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to shut down. On the contrary, we are going one hundred percent. The situation is not rosy, but it is all the more important to stick together, and we are still here for our customers.
But can’t everything be solved from home?
Of course, it brought some restrictions. But we are optimistic and looking for new ways to help customers. We have moved business offers and consulting from personal meetings to online channels. Our Technology Center operates in compliance with strict safety rules. Its premises are also used by the Automation Division for the design and manufacture of automated workplaces. Our Technology Center operates in compliance with strict safety rules. Its premises are also used by the Automation Division for the design and manufacture of automated workplaces. The servicing is running at full speed. Customers who have shut down production are interested in preventive maintenance of machines to minimize the impact of these shutdowns. Companies are also catching up on a backlog of the calibration of their production technologies and measuring instruments. But the situation for our teams in the field is difficult. For example, it is difficult to find accommodation for technician trips.
You supply brands of foreign manufacturers to the Czech and Slovak markets. Is there no restriction?
Some of our business partners also face some restrictions. However, they stopped production by government order only in Italy. Deliveries of spare parts continue without restriction. We are in touch with all partners on a daily basis, so we can provide customers with up-to-date information.
Some organizations have set up crisis lines for their customers. How is it with you?
All contacts work as our customers are used to. Whether it is hot-line, personal contacts to salespeople, service or the accounting department. In the current situation, we perceive that customers will rather appreciate communication with someone they know well.
Will this situation affect your way of working in the future?
Estimating the economic consequences would be divination from a crystal ball. But every adverse event will strengthen you in the future. But every adverse event will strengthen you in the future. I would like to thank all the employees of our group for a responsible approach to safety measures and work commitment. Whether it is the front-line service teams, the parents who had to reorganize their days, but everyone else. We face new challenges and together we will overcome them.
Author: Vít Hněvkovský
