Dear valued Customers and Suppliers

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is having a significant impact on the world and now on South Africa. We want to reassure you of the steps we’re taking to limit the spread and effects of the virus.
The situation changes on a daily basis, our focus is on two things: keeping our staff healthy and safe, and helping our customers. Swartland Factories, Distribution centres and Offices are NOT under quarantine, all staff are healthy to date.

Unfortunately on Friday, 20 March, we were informed that an international visitor to the new Summit XPS plant had been tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. We immediately informed and briefed all staff, whilst implementing a two-week self-isolation period for the staff members who came in contact with the foreign visitor.

This has caused a slight setback with regards to production, however, we are confident that we will be up and running before long. It is also of utmost importance to reiterate that this plant had a limited amount of staff working at the plant.

WHY AND WHICH SAFETY MEASURES WERE PUT IN PLACE?
We have made it top priority to protect our visitors, staff and their families from possible transmission by closing the Summit XPS plant until further notice.

As a third-generation family business who values all of our employees and customers, we don’t take this virus lightly and the safety of our staff comes first. The 17 staff members have since been in contact with their doctors who advised them to only take precautionary self-isolation for now and to only be tested should they be showing signs of the virus. To date, all staff are healthy and
showing no symptoms.

As transparency is key, we’ll update you should the situation change.

SWARTLAND CORONAVIRUS PROTOCOL
As a business that connects with South Africans around the country, we feel the responsibility to respond in a manner that meets the level of urgency that the President has requested.

We have put into action a number of key plans to minimise the threat of the virus and to ensure the safety of our people, our customers and suppliers.

  • We have implemented the following in our facilities:
  • Hand sanitisers are available for both our people and customers
  • Increased frequency and intensity of cleaning practices in high density and common use areas
  • Ensured all equipment is wiped down and cleaned frequently
  • Encourage regular hand cleaning
  • Informed our staff of effective social distancing methods

It is important that our people are equipped with all the necessary information relating to the virus and what precautionary measures to take. Information and awareness material has been shared with our staff to ensure both their safety and yours. This information is guided by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the National Institute for Communicable Disease (NICD).

These sanitisation measures have been implemented at all our factories, distribution centres and offices around the country.

Additionally, we have encouraged responsible citizenship by:

  • Banning all international and local travel
  • Implementing self-isolation periods for returning travellers
  • Cancelling Store visits by Swartland Representatives if requested by Customers
  • Encouraging meetings to be held telephonically or via Skype or other media interfaces where possible

Should you have any further questions or would like to reduce/cancel store visits by our Sales Representatives you can contact us on customerservice@swartland.co.za.

Our business is centred around offering a Quality Experience to our customers and we are doing all we can to ensure we still deliver on this promise. We are deeply grateful for your loyalty and thank you for your passion for our brand.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by COVID-19 and those grappling to come to terms with this new reality.

Kind Regards
Hans Hanekom
CEO

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