Inga störningar av SMC:s produktion på grund av gasbrist
SMC, a leader in advanced pneumatic solutions and other automation products, is keen to let customers know that the potential for gas shortages in Europe will have no impact on its production schedules. Gas is not utilised for manufacturing at SMC’s European factory in the Czech Republic, which only uses gas to heat buildings.
Supply concerns
Along with the appalling humanitarian crisis resulting from the unfortunate situation in Ukraine, there are also a growing number of economic concerns, largely relating to the supply of gas. However, at SMC’s modern factory in the Czech Republic (opened in 2011), the only use of gas is for heating, where the plant’s gas reservoir is currently at 85% capacity. This represents a four-month supply, although this period could be even longer as the plant has recently introduced measures to reduce gas consumption for heating by 25%: all of SMC’s premises in Europe are highly energy-efficient. In addition, the Czech government recently announced that it would secure the gas supply to industry by priority, while the country has also begun using liquefied gas.
The story is similar at SMC’s European Central Warehouse in Belgium, where the use of gas is solely for heating the warehouse buildings, all of which are well insulated regardless.
Dual sourcing strategy
Tension in the global supply chain is of course affecting all manufacturing businesses, including those supplying materials to SMC. However, here too the company is working hard to minimise any potential disruption. For instance, SMC’s factory in the Czech Republic searches for vendor availability around the world, typically identifying dual sources in Europe and Asia. To explain further, if any primary materials such as stainless steel are subject to any local delays in Europe, perhaps due to gas shortages, SMC has an alternative vendor available in Asia that is able to react on short lead times, providing peace-of-mind for customers.
Ultimately, despite a number of highly challenging commercial issues, SMC wants to provide reassurance that it is doing everything in its power to put customers first and keep industry moving.
Stockholm, Sweden (September 26, 2022)
2022-sep-26
