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The quick reconversion of the production line at Temasa – Têxtil do Marco, from clothing to several types of hospital supplies, “enabled the company to keep on working instead of laying off its 80 workers”, explained to T the firm’s manager and shareholder, Andreas Falley, who last year bought the factory from Sonae.
The process of changing production was a decision that Temasa took as soon as it became clear that normal production was blocked, after cancellations of orders, some of them only partially, and the enormous reduction of new businesses.
The process speed is the reason for its success: “after the meetings with health officials of the Porto district and contacts with suppliers, the technological centre CITEVE quickly solved our certification issues”, which enabled Temasa to proceed with the changes to production on time.
In addition to manufacturing some of the orders that haven’t been cancelled, this new line of work has put aside Temasa’s short term plans of laying-off workers. Internally, Temasa quickly established a contingency plan that entailed distancing workers and the thorough disinfection of the workplace.
With a turnover close to six million euro, Temasa – whose goal for this year was to achieve 50% of sales in exports – “must be cautious in terms of the results by the end of 2020”, explained Andreas Falley. Firstly because exports have practically come to a halt, and also because “the feeling of uncertainty is widespread”.