The World Foundry Organization is urging the global foundry industry to continue to work together and co-ordinate any concerns through the WFO.
WFO president, Umur Denizci said: “It has become increasingly evident that the outbreak of Coronavirus is affecting us all and presents the greatest challenge that most of us will have faced in our lives and professional careers.
“As a truly global organisation, this challenge is being felt by WFO members all over the world. At this time, we are taking the opportunity to demonstrate our selflessness, compassion and creativity as we unite as an industry to ensure we emerge together, stronger than ever. We are facing unprecedented short-term challenges but we are also more technically advanced, better connected and more willing to share ideas than we have ever been before. Our future success will be dependent on us working in co-operation rather than competition – this is what the global foundry family has always done best and what we will continue to do moving forward.
“In the coming days and weeks, it is important that we consider all the stakeholders across our industry, from the largest corporate to the smallest independent, in order to minimise the impact of this pandemic. Rather than act in haste, let us act reasonably and seek ways to look after our mutual commercial interests as best we can.
“At the WFO office in the UK, and with the support of the secretariat team and Executives around the world, we are putting all our efforts into supporting our membership through these testing times, and will activate and make use of the latest technology and platforms to deliver information, facilitate knowledge-sharing and allow the continued development of global relationships.
“Ours is an industry that deals in the long-term; the relationship or discussions that start today may not come to fruition or deliver business for five or ten years. We are patient because we know we are part of an industry that can change the world for the better. In that respect, the WFO is here to help the industry prepare for when we emerge from this unprecedented time and we will also be there to play a major part in the recovery that will follow.
“Let’s look after each other and stand together while we are far apart.”