Argentina is a country used to cyclical shocks that test the adaptability and endurance of its citizens. But this time the crisis is a new one, is unknown and its scope is worldwide and its consequences are still to come.
Logically the Vertical Transport industry, which- it should be highlighted- never stop working, suffers from the shock as all industries do and is introducing some changes in their every day maintenance job while the manufacturing sector is waiting for the government permission to come back to work.
These company CEOS tell us how they are managing this new reality.
Manuel Premaries, CEO of Ascensores Krone – Installation, maintenance and elevator modernization company.
“Work never stopped because the kind of clients we have and the task we carry out. We got the permission to travel and went on working by took out the permits and we continued to work by taking turns and rotating guards seven days a week. The elevator service is considered an essential task, with people in their houses all the time, and not to mention the buildings that have only one equipment.
The administration moved into the employees’ homes of the employees and from there they carried out all the work logistics. It was really a collaboration between all those who work in the company. That’s when you appreciate the human potential of those who stop being employees to become full-time allies.
Then we made sure that the company’s vehicles were supplied with all kind of components and spare parts for small daily repairs so the technical staff didn’t lack anything and on the other hand taking the precautions recommended by the city government. We equipped the team with all kind of protection against the virus, which we did to be able to fulfill our commitment at work day by day. The changes in the administration and technical areas are the one mentioned so far”.
Rubén De Luca, CEO of Ascensores Neptuno, maintenance and installation company
“Our company didn’t suffer a damage or even a loss. The first few days it was a bit hard to adapt to the new way of working, but since Monday April 6, almost all the staff came back and we organized better our agenda.
The new way brings some difficulties, we have to get used to it, but at the same time our job this days is less stressing. Some company owners complain for the situation. We shouldn’t do it, we are privileged, we are the only within the trend always working.
We should not complain, we are privileged, as we are the only ones who are working for the system in all ages. Manufacturers, on the other hand, are waiting without knowing when they will be able to return to work”.
Martín Sapienza, CEO of Automac S.A.- Electronics for elevators manufacturer.
It is a hard time for everyone and also for our sector. We have more than 40.000 elevator controls installed throughout the country and we must attend to the complaints, technical queries and daily requirements of our clients.
We attend to both the commercial and technical aspects through WhatsApp, emails and telephone. Those online connections help us working from home. We have to attend to both technical queries and requests for certain supplies that we have in stock, many of which we channel through distributors or repairs, with our active technical support team.
We go on developing new products with the Engineering team through weekly virtual meetings to discuss progress.
We know that our business is essential for society; an elevator cannot be stopped, both for the elderly, people with reduced mobility. For everyone vertical transport is essential for cities.
I think that quarantine cannot be sustained much longer. It is time to make other kind of decisions, we have to learn how to live with the virus, as long as we fulfill the necessary rules to avoid contagion: using personal transport, using masks, alcohol, sanitizing bow that we already installed. People at risk or suffering health issues must stay at home and receive special care.
Claudio Banega, CEO of Beltek S.R.L., supplier and manufacturer of components and spare parts, national and imported.
“We are living this time with a great uncertainty about the future, reducing expenses and preparing ourselves for a very austere economic scenario.
We work daily to overcome this critical moment in the country, we are a young company in constant growth and this year will surely end with neutral results.
From the beginning of the shutdown Beltek didn’t stop supplying spare parts and components, through a service of receiving orders via WhatsApp and making deliveries at a scheduled time. At the end of April we reopened our downtown headquarters with a short day and following a safe strict protocol. Our factory remains idle since March 20”.
Héctor Trimarchi, CEO of H.Trimarchi S.R.L. – Supplier and manufacturer of components and spare parts, national and imported.
In this atypical period, our company bears an abnormal situation in terms of operation (schedules, handling of current accounts, rejected checks, management of suppliers, etc.). We believe we are going to come across a quite complicated market reality because of the extremely difficult economic situation our country is going through, and that we must face it trying by all means to adapt to the situations as they appear.
We have started over activities, with a smaller staff, new schedules, and adapting to all the requirements proposed by government regarding the prevention of Covid 19. We have been forced to change all our working methods to comply with the new safety standards for both our staff and our clients.
I think entrepreneurs should be more vigorous when proposing to the government policies to be carried out in each heading of the industry. We must make ourselves to be listened, for the government make the right decisions given this situation in which we are facing the coronavirus and the economic reality.
Mariano Amato, CEO of IC Puertas – Elevator doors and fire protection doors manufacturer.
“Since May 11, we began the partial re opening with a reduction in the hours and the staff, according to the protocol of Health and Safety established by the Buenos Aires province government. Upon returning to work we completed backlog from before the pandemic, and took a few new orders.
All the works which require manipulation of more than 2 people were affected trying to respect the distances and contact between employees.
Without being an expert in health issues, I believe that by respecting the requirements of this pandemic, it is possible to get some flexibility to work openly, but taking care of children and seniors”.
Fabián Rojas, CEO of Industrias Rojas – Hydraulic power units supplier and cylinder manufacturer.
“Imagine, a 10% of turnover, because of the shutdown. But expecting to return to what we were doing before the Covid 19.
We believe that for a not very long time sales will decrease a little, but when all sectors are reactivated, we will gradually normalize.
We are working with a small part of the staff to make repairs of existing equipment and maintenance of machinery at our plant. We are respecting the protocol developed, taking preventive measures, to carry out the activity avoiding contagion.
Mainly what we do is take the fever at the entrance of the personnel, disinfect common areas and each worker must disinfect their own work area. In addition to the mandatory use of a mask. And we have restricted the entry of all personnel from outside the office sector”.
Eng. Juan Quarleri – CEO of JYE S.R.L. – Elevator electronics manufacturer.
We endure the situation in a very complicated way, trying to serve our customers via email, or through whatsapps.
We will rise from these if we can return to the activity at least little by little. We understand that progress can be made, it depends a lot on whether the construction activity is also launched.
We have changed a lot the way we work. Is not easy to provide our clients under so different conditions than usual. They no longer come into our premises, they stay outside waiting, either for a repair or for the delivery of some equipment.
It is not easy to comply with the government’s orders, but neither should we press too hard to be released immediately. Going little by little and seeing the day to day allows us to carry out a deeper evaluation. It is the dilemma between health and economy. We must find the balance that allows us to support ourselves for the moment.
