“Since Monday last week we have been running full production and sometimes also been really busy because some abnormally large orders entered. But we have been able to deliver all the goods we needed, and this has only been possible because our employees have made a huge effort,” said Danish Crown Beef production director Ivan Schmidt.
He said it is very “business as usual” at the cattle slaughterhouses once you remove the numerous initiatives that have been put in place to prevent the spread of infection.
“The whole delivery and production process works more or less normally. The only thing that has changed is all the reservations and initiatives we have put in place to prevent the spread of infection. And we do everything we can to make it happen.”
Dialogue with supply chain
Schmidt emphasised that the key word for him is dialogue and that it is important that there is constant dialogue with farmers and carriers, so that everyone is kept up to date on the situation as best as possible.
He also reiterated the importance of protecting staff. He wants to do this with constant dialogue, so that the employees have all the necessary information, but also to hear their side of the situation.
“If our employees feel unsafe or do not want to go to work, then we have no production. Then there are no products for the customers, which means empty shelves for consumers. Therefore, it is alpha omega for me to make sure my employees feel safe in doing their job.”
Schmidt added that he is proud of all the employees at the factories.
“I think it is admirable that all employees, including our external veterinary staff, make a great effort every day. We stand together to lift our corporate social responsibility in this extraordinary situation. We can be proud of that.”