A strong immune system is the body’s defense against non-desirable and illness-causing agents like microbes and viruses. Several micronutrients such as the vitamins A, B6, C, D and E, omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and beta carotene, support the development and maintenance of a strong immune system and an adequate intake can boost immunity. Therefore, during these difficult times, we expect that the need for these micronutrients as single vitamins or multivitamin solutions will increase.
We are closely monitoring the ever-changing climate of the COVID-19 pandemic, which now affects over 196 countries and territories around the world. We want to assure you that our number one priority is the health and safety of our employees, customers and suppliers. In that respect, DSM has established a dedicated global response team, including internal specialists and external contacts, to monitor the situation and react with speed and precision. We are already implementing increased safety measures, which focus on securing enhanced safety and health of our employees, continuity at our production sites, including raw material and packaging sourcing, and safe supply within our global distribution network.
For the safety of our employees, these measures, in line with the guidance of national governments and international advisories, include:
Our operations have continued to run, while applying these hygiene and precautionary measures, ensuring supply to our customers. We are very strictly controlling access to our facilities, continue to limit travel and to remind all our people of how they can minimize risk.
In China, our vitamin production sites for the purposes of human nutrition and health are outside the key risk province (Hubei) and we have been able to continue production of Vitamin C and Vitamin B6 over the last weeks. However, transportation within and outbound China is still impacted, due to high demand and cargo capacity limitations. Our Supply Chain Team is addressing a stable supply from our Chinese sites as its key priority.
Our global and regional product distribution centers are operational. The production is running at our sites in Switzerland, France, Germany, Spain, Scotland, the U.S. and Canada, where we manufacture, for example, Beta-carotenes, the Vitamins A, E, B1, B2, B6, Calpan, Biotin, Quali®-C and also nutritional lipids. Also, our global network of 15 premix sites continues to operate, with strict precautionary measures and hygienic standards, and leveraging our global footprint to support each other to ensure business continuity.
DSM evaluates the situation on each of their production locations on a daily basis, based on developments in the country/region where our sites are located as well as the specific situation of each location. DSM’s approach is to take all necessary measures for the health and wellbeing of our employees as well as to ensure supply continuity for our customers. Closure of a manufacturing location will be decided upon on a case by case basis.
In case of a site closure due to COVID-19, DSM will work closely with its customers and will make best efforts to find solutions. Where possible, DSM will leverage its global manufacturing footprint and integrated supply chain to avoid or reduce impact for customers.
The pandemic may also impact the availability and delivery of registration certificates. This is largely caused by the implemented measures to reduce the risk for our employees to become infected. The situation might change, depending on further actions taken by the Swiss authorities. The agencies we are working with in Switzerland are still in operation and veterinary certificates continue to be delivered for the time being.
With the additional measures put in place under our business contingency plans, we have taken the right steps to safeguard the health of our employees, as well as the sustainable production and supply of our products for our customers and consumers. Since the impact of the novel coronavirus evolves constantly, and the demand of essential micronutrients can change, we will do our utmost to ensure supply, while taking all necessary health and safety precautions. We do not currently foresee any other production or supply interruptions. Should we become limited in our ability to produce due to changing, external factors, we will inform our customers as soon as possible, as well as update the communications on this page.
Please contact us if you have questions or concerns. Together, we will navigate through these challenging times.
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