French leader in chemical
specialties for the leather industry, ATC has been able to reorient its
production in the face of the coronavirus epidemic. The company began to
produce hydroalcoholic solution. Product oh so important in this time of health
crisis.
An undeniable impact on a
global business
Morgan Piguet is the Production
Manager of ATC, a family business located in Montanay not far from Lyon: “We
had a strong impact. In March, a slight drop but the months of April and May
were complicated. »
The impact for ATC is quickly
measurable, especially since the majority of its customers are outside French
borders. “We work 95% for export and in 45 different countries. In the figures,
this translates into a drop in activity of more than 50% compared to 2019.
Reorienting production: a
useful and supportive solution
"With half the orders
down", it was quickly necessary to consider solutions with a view to
business continuity.
ATC was founded in 1973. The
company has a long history in tanning and has recognized expertise in the
control and use of chemicals. “From the end of March, we wanted to offer our
production capacity for hydroalcoholic solution. A logical but also supportive
proposal for those whose activity is considered essential.
“At the beginning, we offered
the solution to hospitals, retirement homes, pharmacies in our sector… in the
form of donations. A total of 2,000 liters (L) were distributed to these
establishments. This campaign immediately had a boost effect, all the stronger
because we were able to mobilize all our networks in record time. “It became
known. We had requests and realized that there was a need. explains Morgan.
ATC quickly decided to start
producing gel in large quantities. “All of our operators have started producing
the solution. Today, we sell up to 50,000 L per week. »
Reorganize and adapt safely
To be able to produce
hydroalcoholic solution, the company had to adapt its production line.
The company already had the
installation for flammable products and the adequate network of suppliers for
the raw materials. His biggest challenge was packaging the gel. “In principle,
we are organized to make large containers. The smallest, from 30 L and mainly
120 L and up to 1000 L drums. Our maintenance manager quickly made modifications
to drum 5 L and 10 L drums. Everything was integrated into Sage X3, we have
created new references and integrated ranges, nomenclatures, etc. The migration
of the Sage X3 client from v8 to v12 had just been completed.
With regard to employees, it
was also necessary to adjust the organization in a particular context. “On the
organization of work, we have made sure that there is no proximity between
people. We have one office per person and everyone is responsible for keeping
it clean. “Simple but effective hygiene measures have also been introduced:
“rotations in the canteen, a maximum number of people per room not to be
exceeded, hand washing, gel available or cleaning of contact surfaces and
objects. »
First indications on the
recovery
After a few weeks of
deconfinement, the activity starts again cautiously. “On the activity, we felt
a slight recovery after mid-May. We have a few more orders but it is still low.
»
A recovery which according to Morgan Piguet will be “gradual” due to a deconfinement country by country. "We started to get some orders from Asia." First clues that can encourage optimism.