Timber firm James Latham closing some depots amid coronavirus lockdown
Timber merchants James Latham is to undertake a phased closure of some of its depots due to the escalating coronavirus crisis.
The company, which has one site at York Park, Blowers Green Road, Dudley, said that while customer demand during March had been strong, following the announcement by the Prime Minister on March 23 many of its customers providing non-essential services were deciding to close.
“We are supporting essential businesses who are working with the NHS to provide temporary hospitals and increased capacity at existing hospitals.
"Our customers are adapting their skills to help with the current crisis. Predicting future demand is very difficult at this stage, given the unprecedented challenge that we are facing.
"We have decided to have a phased closure of some of our depots whilst retaining the ability to service our important customers who are providing essential services.
“At all times we will strive to work within the guidelines issued by the Government on maintaining safe distances. This is clearly a difficult time for our staff, and we will be doing all we can to support them and to secure their jobs in the longer term,” said James Latham.
The Company is closely monitoring the impact of the Covid-19 virus and will continue to refine its contingency plans as more information becomes available.
“The health of our staff is of primary importance and our technology is being used to good effect to get those that can work at home to work at home,” it added.
Revenue and pre-tax profit for the year to the end of is expected to be in line with market expectations. The Company had been performing well with improving margins throughout the second half of the year, until the recent restrictions caused by the COVID-19 virus.
