Plastics and rubber machinery manufacturing has been deemed an ‘essential’ economic activity according to a decree issued by the Italian President of the Council of Ministers (DPCM) issued on 22 March. Companies active in this sector are therefore permitted to remain in operation, despite the raging outbreak of Coronavirus in the country.
The decree also allows economic activities that are “functional” to the execution of the essential activities listed in the decree, as shutting these down could inflict serious damage to the plant itself or could raise the risk of accidents happening”. In both cases, businesses must first go through a self-certifying process of writing to the local police chief.
Amaplast, the Italian trade Association stresses the need for all manufacturers who continue operating to comply with a protocol issued March 24 and listing all the measures that hinder and limit the spread of the infection inside and outside the work sites. Under all circumstances, priority must go towards keeping all those involved in the production process safe and healthy.
Essential products only may be produced. Companies are required to shutter other activities, warns Amaplast, which will mean rescheduling production plans and workers' shifts.
While a few delays in the supply of materials and components have been reported, these have not yet affected production or machine deliveries. In addition, the technical support services are also still functioning for customers requiring help.