THE NEW NORMAL - THE METAMORPHOSIS

MANUFACTURING COMPANIES ARE FINDING WAYS TO DEAL WITH THE PANDEMIC. EACH ONE HAS A STORY TO TELL

- JAYASHREE KINI MENDES

WITH MUCH OF THE WORLD CONTINUING TO stay under lockdown in varying degrees, normal activities continue to be affected. The virus shows no signs of abating and just when one lets one’s guard down, there seems to be a surge of fresh cases. But life must go on. In a sense, work-from-home fatigue has set in most people and there is a kind of longing for the ‘good old days’. But that is not to be. Not for a long time to come.

Manufacturing Today explores what the New Normal means to various companies, their way of rejigging schedules, and some of the steps taken to combat longterm effects of covid-19.

Safety concerns are top priority. One can never be too safe. Accidents are waiting to happen. However, taking precautionary measures is primal human nature. And more so today.

Ramakant Reddy, MD, LMT Tools India, says, “The covid-19 situation is unprecedented. Manufacturing PMI fell to 27% in April from around 52% in March. I think this was the lowest reading in the last 15 years. During the initial phase of the lockdown, we invested our time in planning the New Normal. Our HR prepared comprehensive guidelines for resuming operation post lockdown which are updated from time to time. The IT team worked on solutions to keep us connected to customers as well as our employees across the world, while the sales & marketing team connected with customers by sending regular updates and conducted online training for customers on new technologies in gear manufacturing, special programmes in Die and Mould, and addressed issues faced in milling & tapping.”