QUALICOAT UK & IRELAND
QUALICOAT
State of the market
As the lockdown now
begins to ease, the
construction sector begins
to get back onto its feet
and QUALICOAT members
return to production
following strict government
guidelines. The supply
chain for both powders and
pretreatment systems is
generally working well with
no shortage in supply and
reported quick deliveries.
At the outset of the lockdown, most coating
members closed down plants in late March
due in part to a slow down in orders,
but primarily due to an uncertain forward
workload. Some members remained open
but with a much reduced labour force and
an implemented safety policy in line with
government regulations. It is reported that
by the end of May most members were back
into production at various levels of capacity,
although members in Scotland have yet to
see demand begin to pick up at this this time.
Social distancing has been a challenge for
all businesses, but in the coatings workplace
the two metre distancing can be achieved
with a little planning. Staggered starting times
ensures that changing rooms are in light
almost constant use and with staggered
lunch breaks, social distancing can be
complied with. Members have trained staff
in new safety regimes and have implemented
COVID-19 Safety Handbooks.
Supply of PPE for operatives does not seem
to have been an issue and it is reported that
costs for such kit has almost quadrupled in
some sectors. One member having access
to 3D printers has been meeting the need
for masks by printing these and working with
the Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes
to get these distributed though to hospitals
and other health care facilities.
The forecast view is patchy, but some coaters
are suggesting that they will be back up to
50% or more capacity in June, but there
is a fear that as construction sites run slower,
that business will not get back to near
pre-lockdown throughput until late in the
year or even into 2021. There is also a real
fear that if there is an increase in the alert
level alongside a second peak, this may
send businesses back into lockdown.
Copies of the sixteenth edition of the
QUALICOAT Standard, is available
through the UK Association website,
www.qualicoatuki.org together with
an up-to-date list of licensed Powder
Suppliers, Pretreatment Suppliers and
Applicators. Printed literature and
telephone support is available from
QUALICOAT UK & Ireland Head Office
in Birmingham on 0330 236 2800 or
email [email protected].
The Association can also be followed
on Twitter @Qualicoatuki.
LIVE
Revised dates: 24th & 25th February 2021, NEC, Birmingham
- we have everything covered
24th & 25th February
2021, NEC, Birmingham
12 JUNE 2020
read online: www.surfaceworld.com