As of March 19, there are over 207,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Cases have been detected in most countries worldwide and community spread is being detected in a growing number of countries.
 
The coronavirus pandemic is a crisis for individuals, as well as businesses. On March 9, the Dow fell 7.79% to 23,851.02 points, the Dow’s worst single-day drop point in US market history. Next, on March 12, the Dow fell 2,352.60 points to close at 21,200.62. Then, on March 16, the Dow hit a new record. It lost 2,997.10 points to close at 20,188.52—a plummet of 12.93%. Meanwhile, nearly 200 publicly-traded companies have warned investors of the threat posed by the pandemic.
 
The good news is that COVID-19 has stabilized in China, but health officials warn that things will get worse before they get better in much of the rest of world.
 
Here’s a look at what Beauty Industry Suppliers are doing to reduce the spread of coronavirus and how the pandemic will impact business:

(Last updated March 26)
 
iTiT Cosmetics
 
On March 2, iTiT Cosmetics, headquartered in Italy, cleared up some confusion for its customers who were raising concerns over Made in Italy products, due to the coronavirus outbreak.

ITiT's Mirko Panico, CEO/founder, along with Raquel Melgarejo Antequera, technical director/ founder, issued a statement to its customers. 

Panico and Antequera said business is not affected, since the company's factories are not located in Italy's "Red Zone"—and production is running smoothly.

"Our factories are not located in the areas where outbreaks of the coronavirus have been identified, so we are not affected by any ordinance to suspend activities," the statement explained. 

iTiT also wanted to spread the word that the virus causes a respiratory disease that cannot be transmitted through packaged products, or its cosmetic products, which are manufactured in full compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).         

The company emphasizes good hygiene among employees, and has strict rules in place, along with daily controls regarding machinery. "Respecting the GMP means producing in a controlled way, in order to ensure that the product meets the requirements of identity, purity, effectiveness and safety," the statement read. 

Arkay Packaging
 
In a recent statement regarding the coronavirus crisis, Arkay Packaging emphasized that its concerns for its employees and its commitment to continue providing exceptional service to its business partners remains at the forefront of all operations.
 
“Arkay is taking numerous actions and precautionary measures as vital safeguard measures, including engaging the services of MD Medical Navigators, a company that is providing invaluable—and crucial—assistance to Arkay with health initiatives and strategies, on-demand consultation, monitoring individual health crises, coordination with the Arkay HR team and MD referrals,” read the message from March 9.
 
Arkay’s Hauppauge studio is open and, although New York City is closed, employees are working remotely and available. Arkay’s Roanoke facility is open and fully functional with careful monitoring during this ever-changing solution.

NastriTex
 
Italian supplier NastriTex issued a statement on March 9 assuring customers that it was complying with every governmental measure, as the health and safety of its employees is its number one priority.
 
According to the statement from CEO Rosa Sarasini, new provisions ensure the free movement of goods both within the Italian terrirtory and those entering or leaving national borders. Therefore, the delivery of orders is guaranteed in accordance with what has been arranged.
 
The company also stressed the following key points: The company’s whole supply chain is constantly monitored and under continuous observation; the company has a large variety of raw material stock for its clients as a way of precaution; all the goods leaving Italian territory respect all health and safety requirements; transports are guaranteed and operate regularly; and all the key members of the company’s staff whose customers are usually in touch with as well as all of the employees of the company are fully active.
 
“You will be kept informed of any potential development with transparency and accountability because you are important to us,” said Sarasini.
 
Qosina
 
On March 18, Qosina Corp president and CEO Scott Herskovitz released a statement to customers regarding COVID-19 and the actions the company is taking to handle this unprecedented situation.
 
“As always, we are committed to serving our customers, while at the same time ensuring the health and wellness of our employees. With the incredible speed at which things are changing around us, we are continually adapting our operations and business,” Herskovitz stated.
 
According to the statement, Qosina established a COVID-19 task force several weeks ago. It has since put the following precautionary measures into action:
 
Qosina’s crisis management team has developed an emergency plan to ensure that the company’s mission critical functions are up and running so that it may continue to provide customers with service. Customer service, sales and supplier teams remain active, even in the event of a forced closure. The crisis management team meets regularly to monitor the situation, and modify and communicate the plan as the need arises. Once the COVID-19 crisis has passed, the team will work on transitioning Qosina back to normal operations.
 
Qosina is actively monitoring its global supplier network and freight lanes to identify any risks of business interruption. It conducts daily internal meetings to review and discuss the ever-evolving situation surrounding COVID-19 and is working closely with its larger customers to identify unforeseen changes in demand.
 
Additionally, the vendor relations team communicates with the company’s suppliers several times a week. Currently, all of our suppliers are operating on normal schedules. Qosina is also operating on regular delivery schedules, but depending on the location and any directives from local authorities and the United States government, the situation could change very rapidly.
 
Qosina has halted business travel for its employees and restricted onsite visits to its facility. It has phone and videoconferencing tools at the ready to conduct virtual meetings.
 
Qosina has also begun implementing occupancy and social distancing guidelines as recommended by the CDC, and tested its secure remote access systems and technology infrastructure to adjust working arrangements for its employees. It has encouraged its staff to work from home to the greatest extent possible. Herskovitz says the company can remain operational with a remote staff.
 
Finally, Qosina’s cleaning service is regularly performing a deep cleaning and disinfecting of all common areas. It has also supplied all employees with cleaning kits to frequently disinfect their workstations.

Lombardi Design & Manufacturing
 
On March 20, Lombardi Design & Manufacturing president, Carl M. Lombardi, issued a statement regarding the coronavirus and how the crisis is affecting business.
 
According to the statement, the company was required by mandatory order of the Governor of the State of New York to close its manufacturing facility and its corporate office in Freeport.
 
More than 95% of Lombardi’s office staff has been and will continue to work remotely. The company will continue to monitor and manage all aspects of the operation and supply chain.
 
Lombardi’s manufacturing facility in Ronkonkoma will remain functional as it is an essential manufacturing site supporting the medical industry, and its factories in China are open and are currently at 90% capacity.
 
“These are difficult times. Be sure that we will continue to monitor the situation carefully and adjust as required. We will do everything we can to support your needs while we are shut down and be prepared to reopen as soon as we are allowed,” commented Lombardi.

APC Packaging
 
On March 23, Lisa Lin, CEO of APC Packaging, issued a letter outlining the supplier’s response to the coronavirus crisis.
 
“As information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) leads the news, we understand that everyone is looking to see how it impacts themselves and their business.  APC Packaging will continue to be here to support you,” stated Lin.
 
According to the letter, APC has taken proactive measures to ensure that its employees and its clients are protected by following the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
 
Employees, when their position permits, are allowed to work remotely from home. When working in the office, employees’ workspaces have been separated and all meetings are virtual to minimize interaction and exposure.
 
For stock items, the company says there has been no impact on lead times. Stock items continue to ship within 48 hours from the Ft. Lauderdale, Florida warehouse. The manufacturing plant in China is up and running at full capacity and APC will continue to receive shipments regularly. The company have been in contact with the ports, and while they have reduced their schedule, they have assured APC that it will not impact the company’s shipments. For custom products, APC has been meeting all deadlines and do not foresee any issues in the future.
 
For all orders, APC secures its sourcing materials ahead of time. Its custom order sourcing has already been allotted and the virus will have no impact on securing the materials. APC has been able to continue to fulfill orders quickly, and has agreements in place, should the need arise, to purchase additional materials for any orders.
 
APC says it has a committee to review the disaster recovery plans, which examines all possible issues from hurricane to disease and how APC can plan to ensure its clients are not impacted. APC has explored all avenues that will enable staff to immediately continue the business from alternate locations. In addition, APC has discussed alternate shipping companies and ports of entry.
 
“We want our clients to feel secure that APC is doing everything reasonable to warrant the trust placed in us,” added Lin.

Allta International
 
To address the coronavirus crisis, Allta International is now producing and supplying USA N95 Face Masks.
 
On March 23, CEO David Berkman said, “The demand and need for these is through the roof and we are honored to be able to help the world in any way we can while we continue to fight this invisible enemy. We are looking to supply the states directly, or hospitals or any companies that need these masks for the protection for their workers. We are blessed to be able to pivot to this type of production while the world economy is on hold…”

Qosmedix
 
On March 24, Qosmedix shared an update about its status amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
 
The company has been deemed an “essential business.” Therefore, it is fully staffed in its warehouse and shipping orders regularly. Qosmedix is taking precaution to ensure it is implementing best practices as recommended by the CDC for proper hygiene and safe social distancing.
 
The company’s office staff has transitioned to a work from home situation, and is available during regular business hours.
 
Unsurprisingly, the company has received a huge influx of orders for disinfecting and hygiene supplies including Alcohol, Purell, Barbicide and Lysol. As it replenishes these supplies, Qosmedix will be sure to inform customers. It also still has many stock pump & spray bottles available for packaging hand sanitizer and alcohol.
 
“This is a difficult situation for all of us and I firmly believe that we will get through this and come out even stronger on the other side,” said Paul Morris, president of Qosmedix.

Allstate Paper Box Company
 
According to a statement from March 24, Allstate Paper Box Company is closely following the recommendations of the CDC, WHO and other public healthcare entities to minimize the risk of transmission and protect the health and well-being of our employees, clients and visitors.
 
As a supplier of pharmaceutical packaging, Allstate has been deemed as essential in the war against COVID-19. Therefore, it will continue to service its customer’s packaging needs. Its office has the technology to work remotely and the company is equipped to seamlessly serve customers with the same care and effectiveness that it has always shown.
 
Allstate’s factory is currently running at normal capacity and it will continue to do so unless something changes that increases the risk to our employees. The company is placing employees further apart on the factory floor and stressing good handwashing techniques. It is also telling workers that they must not to come to work if they feel ill.
 
“We understand that this is a particularly trying time for all of our customers and vendors as they face new and difficult challenges, both human and financial. As we have been for over 50 years, we are available to help you to ensure your supply chain continuity,” commented Matthew Elias, owner of Allstate Paper Box Company.

Quadpack
 
On March 25, a COVID-19 dashboard went live on the website of international beauty packaging manufacturer and provider Quadpack, to help keep stakeholders informed of the effects of the virus on the company’s global operations.
 
This dashboard displays real-time information about the status of Quadpack’s factories in Europe and those of its supply partners in other parts of the world, as well as other information regarding support, shipping and logistics.
 
The company says it is maintaining operations without significant delays. In Asia, business is starting to return to normal. In Europe and the US, the majority of office staff are working from home, supported by secure, cloud-based, collaborative systems. The manufacturing facilities in Spain and Germany are running at up to 80 percent of capacity. Factory workers are taking special safety measures such as body temperature checks, maintaining distance and disinfecting machinery between shifts, while following the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO).
 
“This is an unprecedented situation. Like everyone else, our priority is the health and safety of our people and all those with whom we live and work,” said Quadpack CEO Tim Eaves. “At the same time, we are working along with our fellow stakeholders in the beauty industry to minimize the effects of the pandemic—and transparency is vital. The new dashboard is one small but important way in which we are keeping the lines of communication open.”

Coverpla
 
On March 26, Coverpla announced it has put in place a crisis process allowing it to continue its activity for the coming weeks.
 
The company has decided to continue the activity of its workshops in Nice in order to honor the majority of its orders. Thanks to its collection of bottles, pumps and caps immediately available, Coverpla is able to maintain its overall offer on small and medium series custom-made at the local level. Its multiple partnerships with European glassmakers also allow the company to maintain the production of certain lines of bottles.
 
Also, a custom internal organization was set up in agreement with all the company's employees in the respect of their safety. In line with the Covid-19's control and distance guidelines, the working teams have been redefined, workshop schedules modified and spaces organized to respect the distances between each individual. Commercial and administrative teams remain operational remotely and eventually in reduced activity.
 
"Through this management of the health crisis, we hope to continue our activity with our customers, but not at any price. Without accepting any compromise on the safety of our employees and their families, these provisions could evolve over time," explained Bruno Diepois, president of Coverpla.

Pro-Motion Industries
 
Pro-Motion Industries expects no interruptions in its production and in its ability to service its customers, according to a statement from March 26.
 
The company has implemented more regular cleaning procedures in its facility, and will continue to monitor the health of its staff daily to ensure it is doing its part in helping to prevent the spread of the virus. All non-production employees have been asked to work from home, and Pro-Motion is restricting site visits until further notice.

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