Approachable in Times of Physical Distancing
In times like these, physical, not social distance is called for. That’s why the ubiquitous term “social distancing” is actually off the mark. To master the challenges induced by the corona pandemic, we must stand together.
At WACKER, we have adopted the necessary measures to provide the best possible health protection for our employees while keeping business operations up and running. Safeguarding production is important because many of our products are used in applications that are vital for medical care and hygiene. These areas are key in combating the spread of the coronavirus. Find out how WACKER is responding to the corona crisis on this special-feature page.
Our Measures During the Corona Crisis
WACKER introduced binding regulations and measures early on. These include the hygiene and physical-distancing rules recommended by experts from the Robert Koch Institute and a ban on business trips to risk areas. Where feasible, employees work from home. In work areas that are vital for integrated production and where the prescribed distance cannot be kept, our employees wear protective masks.
In times of crisis, it is key that we stand together and provide fast and unbureaucratic aid – particularly when people are in need or urgently required medical goods are lacking. In recent weeks, WACKER has repeatedly demonstrated its social responsibility through monetary and in-kind donations – both domestically and internationally. Here are a few examples:
- Immediately after the pandemic broke out in Wuhan, our Chinese subsidiary sent urgently needed food to the affected region in an act of solidarity with the people there.
- In Germany, we participated in the “Emergency Disinfectants” platform of the German Chemical Industry Association VCI. We also followed a call by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs to help supply hospitals and social organizations with 11,000 liters of disinfectant.
- In the US state of Michigan, our Adrian production site donated self-produced and surplus hand sanitizer to emergency services and hospitals in the surrounding area.
- Our India-based joint venture in Kolkata donated a total of 15 million Indian rupees to aid organizations and distributed important medical supplies such as masks, infrared thermometers, liquid hand wash and hand sanitizer to local clinics and medical practices and distributed food to underpriviledged and needy families.
- Our India subsidiary in Mumbai also took the initiative. Employees contributed one day’s salary to the Prime Minister’s coronavirus relief fund. The organization coordinates all relief efforts across India.
- The Corona pandemic affects the poorest of the poor most. Our Brazilian subsidiary in São Paulo distributed 500 food parcels to needy families.