COVID-19 Crisis: AMAG applies for short-time working due to downturn in orders

As the worldwide corona pandemic has started affecting the demand for AMAG products, the company has reportedly applied for short-time working at its Ranshofen plant, with effect from April 1, 2020. This will allow the plant to operate flexibly in response to the fluctuations in demand and utilisation while safeguarding jobs.

As a major supplier of aluminium strip for medicine and food packaging, AMAG is classified by the Federal Ministry of the Interior as part of the “critical infrastructure” required to supply the Austrian population. So, the primary challenge for the company is to ensure the wellbeing of the workforce, and at the same time to guarantee product supplies to the processing industry.

In order to protect the health of the employees, AMAG has introduced several preventive measures suitable for the current situation.

It is also important that AMAG continues to receive raw materials for maintaining seamless production and delivery. However, in that respect, AMAG is strategically well-positioned. In Ranshofen, aluminium scrap meets around 75 per cent of the input materials requirements.

Expressing confidence on the short-time working plan and sound financial base, Gerald Mayer, CEO of AMAG Austria Metall AG, said: “The Austrian facility for short-time working coupled with a sound financial base and a stable ownership structure will together safeguard valuable jobs at AMAG, particularly in times of crisis.”

He added, “Our thanks are due in particular to all our employees for their commitment, particularly those who work day in, day out in production and who make a decisive contribution to the security of supplies in Austria.”

AMAG said in views of the current uncertainties, making a reliable estimate for the results of 2020 is not possible at present.