Author: david.mcelroy@barry-wehmiller.com

Recently a PCMC-UK customer producing anti-bacterial wipes and hand sanitizers for the British NHS experienced a problem with a cutting blade on one of their machines and was unable to get assistance for it by the Italian company that built it. So, thecustomer reached out to Steve Carder, Technical Sales Engineer for PCMC, since their machines are similar and asked for help. Steve connected virtually with the customer’s mechanic and helped get the machine back into production within minutes. In talking afterward with the customer, Steve mentioned his friend who volunteered with the “South West Blood Bikes,” a group that delivers medical supplies to the frontlines. Next thing you know, PCMC’s customer donated 6 large bottles of their hand sanitizers to thecharity (see photo above). “It’s very true and so important to remember thetrust we create with our customers is repaid in times of need,” said Steve.

Christiaan Kot is an assembler for BW Flexible Systems/Symach in their Terneuzen, Netherlands facility. He is also a member of the volunteer fire brigade in Terneuzen, which means he gets called out for emergency support when ambulances are summoned. A few weeks ago, Christiaan was called away from work to help someone who needed CPR. One of his fellow firefighters who arrived before him performed the resuscitation. Maintaining the 1.5-meter/ 6-feet distance is not possible when performing CPR, and the volunteer firefighters wear heavy extinguisher suits and protection equipment to do their jobs—no easy feat! “It is reassuring that there are volunteers like Christiaan who are risking their health to help other people in need during this time of COVID-19,” said Ankie de Munter, BWFS-Terneuzen CPD Leader. “Chapeau! (Hats off to him!)” Thank you for your service, Christiaan!

Recently, a customer in Brazil called BWP’s After Hours Hotline on a Saturday for help with a drive issue on a cut-size sheeter that was completely down. As they could not repair it remotely, BW Papersystems’ Service Engineer Sandro Kokkinidis drove hundreds of miles on Sunday to begin working on Monday morning. He followed all necessary precautions and maintained the minimum distance of 1.5 m/6 ft. while onsite. The customer was very happy with BWP’s fast and efficient support. Well done, Sandro!

Meanwhile, at BW Papersystems in Dongguan, China, Zheng JunWu, Field Service Manager, handled the delicate situation there extremely well, successfully navigating the challenges facing his team to complete acceptance tests and AR collections as required. Despite the lack of resources, he was able to utilize what he had to provide support for all customers during this challenging time. Eddie Mun, BWP Managing Director Asia, sends his appreciation to Zheng!

As many community service programs have suffered dramatically from a loss of volunteer support, BWFS-Minneapolis (USA) Upgrades Sales Coordinator Peggy Schempf stepped up to fill the gap for the Meals on Wheels program offered by Impact Services of Anoka County, MN. Peggy serves as a “temporary” driver, filling in for a high-risk senior who can’t volunteer now, delivering between 8-12 meals during her own lunch hour. Peggy says, “I wanted to help those who cannot get out during this difficult time and check on them in some way. I’ve even met a new friend named Arla who is 92. What a blessing she is!”