Somfy Oceania News

MD's Update - July 2020
202007

MD's Update - July 2020

Dear Valued Customers and Somfy Friends,

The past months have indeed been challenging as we all adapt to personal and work versions of “new normal”. I do hope you; your families and staff, have remained safe during this COVID-19 period and our friends and colleagues in Victoria and other COVID-19 current “hot spots” continue to remain safe. The Somfy staff message: take care, be safe and wear your mask. 

At Somfy we have just concluded our first semester of 2020 (January to end June). It’s remarkable that the bulk of this has been COVID-19 period. Our trading results are incredibly strong, the market is like a “multi-lane motorway” with variable speed-limits. Some Somfy Fabricator partners and Expert Retail partners are having record trading – very much in the fast lanes; whist others are struggling and deeply concerned (the slow lanes). As shared at the recent BMAA Board meeting and included in WFA’s on-line comments this week, the Window Covering Industry in Australia has been generally fortunate to be able to capture extra business at this time. Stimulus from Home Improvements, diversion of consumer net disposable income away from holidays, travel etc. and directed towards home improvements and the need for motorised blinds, curtains, awnings, external screens and roller shutters. Those who have been bold “glass half-full” during this time have been able to capture the business. Those who were extremely cautious, who drastically wound-back raw materials forecasts have not been able to respond to new market demand nor the opportunities offered to support their customers. Agility and responsiveness are also the new normal.

The macro-economic outlook remains uncertain, but we can only do what we can do. Be resilient, focused and do our best. At Somfy we are trying very hard. We are doing well but have had and will continue to have some supply chain challenges and knock-on effects due to COVID-19 impacts. Our factories in Europe, for many weeks now, have been at full production after putting in place all the COVID-19 safety protocols. We are well ahead of plan and have responded positively to the increased demand from new opportunities.    

In closing I would like to use this place to express my gratitude to all Somfy Customers and Staff during these challenging times. For your loyalty, support and faith in us.  Thank you.

Finally, in drafting these words, I referred to our Autumn issue, 3-months ago. The last paragraph I wrote then I would like to close with again…

We are here to support you as best we can during these difficult and challenging times. We will remain positive. Our collective responsibility and actions for the wellbeing of our families, friends and communities will indeed remain when we all emerge from the current COVID-19 crisis. Take care.

Stephen Eggleton

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