LONDON (ICIS)–BASF is facing increasing
difficulties in the supply chain due to
coronavirus restrictions but all plants at its
main production site in Ludwigshafen are
operating, the German chemicals major said to
ICIS on Friday.
BASF has applied for short-time work at its
sites in Munster and Wurzburg, also in Germany,
which mostly supply the automotive industry, a
company spokesperson said.
Short-term work – or Kurzarbeit – is
the policy under which workers agree or are
forced to accept a reduction in working time
and pay.
“A sharp decline in demand cannot be ruled out
in other industries either,” it added.
“We continuously adapt our production to the
demand of our customers.”
BASF said it is seeing good demand for products
important for healthcare and essential services
for the general population.
However, it said some of its end customer are
being particularly affected by the coronavirus
restrictions.
“BASF in Ludwigshafen currently has no
short-time work” arrangements, the spokesperson
added.
“However, due to the enormous dynamics of the
situation, we are closely monitoring the
situation and undertaking the necessary
preparations should anything change.”
The spokesperson added that about half of BASF
employees based in Ludwigshafen are working
from home.
For those who have to attend on-site work
shifts, the company has implemented special
hygiene and clearance rules to keep all
production plants in operation.
The company said it is in close contact with
its customers, suppliers and logistics service
providers “to find practicable solutions
depending on the situation” and to maintain the
supply of its customers “as far as possible”,
even as difficulties increase in the supply
chain.
