The Directors at Taunton Fabrications have taken the difficult decision to pause all operations from close of business on Friday 27th March 2020. We will review and update you on our position on the 14th April with a view of returning on the 20th April if possible.
Following the rapidly changing circumstances we find it increasingly difficult to comply with the guidelines set out by the government and the social distancing guidance. We suspended all architectural site installations earlier this week and find that a varied approach by main contractors is making the situation to continue site operations ever more impossible. Many sites have now closed, and several are struggling to coordinate efficiently with limited trades or conditions that contradict the Government guidelines.
Our staff cannot safely manufacture and install work whilst maintaining a continuous 2-metre social distance.
All office-based staff are now working from home. Our manufacturing facility and pre-assembly factory is working at 60% capacity and with all other departments now working remotely or suspended it leaves the works staff isolated with just a skeleton production management team, making the situation more anxious for the few remaining staff.
Our supply chain in terms of processed and raw materials is slowing and our key supplier for paint finishing and powder coating has closed, with many other key suppliers running a reduced service and very close to shutting down completely.
My biggest consideration is to the health & welfare of all our staff and to others. With an industry that strives for ZERO tolerance to Health & Safety we cannot continue to ignore the potential risks - this must be the overriding factor. We also have to consider if our work is essential?
Whilst we suspend all operations our key staff can be contacted via e-mail. Contracts managers will closely monitor the situation and keep in regular contact with all contractors. Our accounts department will also be monitoring and processing payments in the normal way and can be contacted via e-mail. Our sales and estimating team can also be contacted by e-mail.
We have a reputation of reliability, and integrity and hope that you understand this difficult decision.
Yours sincerely,
Jason Rigby, Managing Director