Aggregates producers are responding to the escalating coronavirus pandemic with messages of support to their employees and customers.
LafargeHolcim stated, “We at the LafargeHolcim family of companies recognize that these are unsettling times as the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to change around the globe and here in the United States. As a company, we continue to closely monitor developments related to the spread of the virus and are initiating proactive actions to protect the health and safety of our customers, employees, suppliers and partners. We want to ensure that we comply with all government directives to aid in stopping the spread of the virus and bring about an end to the pandemic as quickly as possible.”
Jaime Muguiro, president of CEMEX USA issued the following statement: “As the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve, we want you to know that CEMEX USA is closely monitoring the outbreak. We are following guidelines set forth by government and public health agencies, including the U.S. Department of State, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization.
“At CEMEX, Health & Safety is our top priority. With recent concerns related to COVID-19 coronavirus, we want you to know what we’re doing to continue delivering a superior customer experience. We are actively monitoring the outbreak and taking measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus. We have plans in place to address this evolving situation should it spread to any of our operations.
“To help ensure everyone’s well-being, CEMEX is following the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). As of today, no CEMEX employees in the U.S. have been diagnosed with coronavirus.
“Our employees have been encouraged to follow social distancing and personal hygiene recommendations. In addition, they have been instructed to stay home if they are sick, avoid non-essential travel and avoid attending business-related events. We will continue to monitor this situation and take additional measures as needed.
“Our Management, Operations, Supply Chain and Commercial teams are working diligently, to the extent of their possibilities and in accordance with local and federal regulations, so that you do not suffer supply disruptions and provide you with the service you deserve.
“We want to keep our people healthy, so you get the cement, aggregates and ready-mix concrete you need, when you need it.”
Graniterock issued the following statement: “We hope this finds Graniterock customers, colleagues and community members feeling healthy and safe. Over the course of 120 years we’ve survived a few crises. In our history, Graniterock has been tested by a host of natural disasters and economic downturns. We share everyone’s deep concern over the coronavirus. We also know where to focus in times of crisis. At Graniterock, we’re going to pour our talent and energy into taking care of our communities, our customers and our people. This has been our way since 1900.
“Last week’s county and state-wide shelter in place orders have caused alarm and confusion. One thing the orders make clear is our communities will continue to depend on critical infrastructure. The orders define construction as an essential business, and point to federal guidance indicating infrastructure workers have a special responsibility to maintain normal work schedules where possible. Graniterock crews will remain on project sites across the region to get this critical work done, safely.
“Graniterock quarries, plants and branches will remain open to provide the materials necessary for our customers to get this essential construction work done. This is consistent with state clarifications over the weekend that construction materials suppliers are part of the essential workforce. To protect our customers and the broader community, our teams will follow strictly the social distancing requirements issued by public health officials. We’ll insist our customers do the same. These measures include maintaining six feet of distance from other individuals, washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as frequently as possible or using hand sanitizer, regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces, avoiding shaking hands and others.
“We’re providing as much flexibility as possible for Graniterock people to do what is best for their families in this crisis. In addition to our strict social distancing approach where on-site work is required, we have asked our people to work from home whenever possible. For Graniterock people who need to care for family members, we’re providing a range of leave and time-off options and communicating regular updates on governmental policy changes that can help. Our highest priority is for Graniterock people to stay healthy and safe during these challenging times.
“Obviously this is a very fluid situation. As conditions change, our tactical approach may as well. But our values, and our focus in a time of crisis, will remain right where they’ve been for over 120 years. Take good care of yourselves and your families.”
Tennessee-based Rogers Group communicated to its customers that it is fully operational. In a letter to its business partners, Darin Matson, president and chief executive officer, stated, “Rogers Group is pleased to announce that we are fully operational. We are executing our construction projects and producing and supplying materials from all aggregate facilities and asphalt plants.
“The health and safety of our employees, customers, vendors and communities is and always will be our top priority. During this time of concern, we are taking several precautionary steps to minimize staff contact while remaining accessible to all our partners. Temporarily we are limiting non-employee visits to our offices unless it is critical in nature and has been approved in advance by a site manager. In addition, our sales teams and other customer-centric employees will only be visiting customer offices upon their specific request. This is to insure we create a business environment that protects the health of our employees and business partners, while offering the service and support you have grown to expect from Rogers Group.
“The current events are fluid and changing daily, if not hourly. Our team members will continue to be in contact through a variety of means including phone, text, email, and video conferencing to keep you updated. However, as the situation evolves if you develop concerns or questions that may not have been addressed, I encourage you to reach out to your Rogers Group account representative. We also offer the option to monitor RGI Link and our website (www.rogersgroupinc.com) for updates regarding our operations.
“Thank you for your understanding and continued partnership during this unprecedented time. We believe the measures are prudent and in line with our top priority of protecting the safety and well-being of our employees, partners, vendors and communities. We are hopeful that you, your families and coworkers remain healthy and we all see a quick return to business as usual.”