PAC K AG I N G AU T O M AT I O N
Re-engineering business with innovation, market shift and optimism With little warning and not enough time to prepare, business submitted to drastic transformation. Shyam Chirkoot looks at how business leaders will face the ultimate test of survival during this time.
T
he lockdown move was swift, causing pandemonium to industries. Business leaders will be needing a roadmap to
navigate from a shuttered economy to stability, growth and prosperity. The pandemic also levered an enormous transitional challenge. Clomark had to close its automotive division during level 5 of the lockdown, but printed packaging for essential items became an area of demand. It took some 11th hour convincing on our part to secure the supply chain, as some raw material suppliers had initially opted to close. We had to be forthright in our communication with material suppliers to remain open and support government’s assurance that food and other essential items would be available during lockdown. Clomark’s leaders responded to a new environment, new customers and heightened societal expectations. Whilst government is making available the
manufacturing products that may no longer
stimulus package of R500 billion, it is presently
be in demand is a recipe for disaster: the need
uncertain as to which sectors and businesses
to pre-empt what the market will be doing
will qualify for relief, nor what the qualification
over the next year or two is the new challenge.
conditions are.
Automotive sales have taken a nosedive in
Business leaders cannot afford to wait for
Europe, and South Africa may expect the
a bailout – the need to innovate, and innovate
same, for the near future at least. Supposing
now, is critical for business sustainability.
businesses focus on its technological
Business leaders need to remain focused,
capabilities rather than its products,
optimistic and apply frugality in the new playing
leapfrogging these into other markets that are
field. New norms are quickly replacing ones of
seeing growth.
the recent past, which may very well present new opportunities. Not all is doom and gloom, however. While
An injection moulding company that manufactures automotive components could expand its manufacturing into healthcare
the lockdown stands disastrous for many
essential items such as face shields, or even in
industries, it has provided opportunities for
creating new, innovative products, stimulating
other businesses. Over the past few weeks,
a new demand. We have seen automotive
Clomark manufactured printed packaging
companies, lending their engineering ingenuity
(self-adhesive labels, shrink-sleeves, printed
to the quick development of ventilators and
cartons, etc) for food and hygiene products.
similar products. Similarly, Clomark has used
Demand for hand sanitisers has seen new
its current automotive technology to develop
brands emerging, and established brands
disposable plastic aprons for the healthcare
extending their product range to include
sector, offering this to government largely as a
sanitisers and disinfectants.
charitable gesture.
High demand for these products,
to think on their feet to implement best
a major shortage in the market. Product
hygiene practices, to minimise business and
manufacturers, together with its supply chain,
societal disruption. As the lockdown is eased, businesses must
products quickly. Thanks to internal designing
consider employee and business risk going
capabilities, we could assist clients from design
forward, and implement robust risk mitigation
concept to the tangible product.
procedures. We have seen stringent new
We can very well learn from the practices of businesses abroad. Remaining fixated on
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Food Review | May 2020
practices into our risk mitigation practices. Where possible, we are keeping as many workers employed, with reduction in working hours, coupled to staff rotation. This way, at least most employees get a slice of the pie. We are providing company accommodation and company transport to those key employees that are at high risk to coronavirus exposure. Businesses simply have to adapt quickly to these new circumstances, by remaining optimistic, being creative in re-segmenting the market for new opportunities, and employing a well-considered risk mitigation plan. These are quickly becoming critical success factors for businesses, as we navigate through unchartered waters. Never has the test on leadership been as demanding. One day, we shall look back at COVID-19 as an opportunity for development, rather than just catastrophe. •
Businesses in essential services had
particularly sanitisers in a short period, saw
were under immense pressure to turnaround
“One day, we shall look back at COVID-19 as an opportunity for development, rather than just catastrophe”
procedures being developed by automotive assembly plants, and adopted many good
ABOUT THE AUTHOR SHYAM CHIRKOOT is the managing director of Clomark.
Clomark – www.clomark.com
