To better understand how bearing manufacturers are adjusting to the Coronavirus pandemic, we’ve been reaching out to industry thought leaders for their perspective. We recently corresponded via email with CCTY Bearing’s North American Director, Evan Poulakidas for his take. Here is his response, edited for length and clarity.
What modifications have CCTY made to working conditions?
We are fortunate that a portion of our staff already works remotely, so we had systems in place accommodate our work off-site expansion. Since we supply critical manufacturers, we are still shipping orders, which requires onsite staff. We are taking all precautions to ensure that everyone remains healthy.
Assuming a minimum two months of this “new normal,” how do you expect this will impact your day-to-day schedule?
It will have a significant impact both on our employees and product flow. We work in a team-based environment and although we encourage our staff to reach out to each other via Skype, email, and calls, personal interaction is what keeps everyone connected.
Product flow will see a significant impact. If our customers decide to suspend production, we are holding product. Our warehouse can only hold so much for so long before incurring added costs.
Our sales team may face a few more hurdles. We have already heard from prospective customers that they’d like to have either a conversation or in-person meeting after things settle down. So we are trying to find creative ways to move beyond these holding patterns.
How do you think engineers can maintain their creativity during these times of limited physical interaction with other team members?
We are very lucky to have a team of engineers who use their creativity to re-imagine what is possible. They continue working with our customer’s design engineers and bouncing ideas off of the other team members. Having the proper tools and ability to have real-time conversations with coworkers makes a huge impact on their ability to find new solutions.
What message do you wish to give to colleagues across the manufacturing world at this time?
These are unprecedented times. However, it is important to remember that it is temporary and we will get through it.
CCTY Bearing
cctybearing.com
