Hi Everyone,
Once again the festive season is upon us, and this is my last update for 2021, the year has passed so quickly and what a year it has been !. To say it has been challenging is an understatement, but I think all businesses have experienced similar issues and problems that required innovative solutions, and we were no exception. To use an often quoted phrase onwards & upwards.
In terms of raw materials, there is availability ,but the lead times have been dramatically extended and the prices are much higher than for the same period last year. We have taken the decision to forward buy large stocks to guarantee production of both our pipe & fitting ranges well into the new year.
Ahead of the Brexit implementation date of the 1st of January 2021, we decided to launch a new business in Europe, based in the Netherlands called Bisson B.V, it’s purpose was to maintain the service levels and cost base for our valued European partners to the same levels as the pre-Brexit period. We have largely succeeded in our objective, but there are issues in particular for the Irish market that requires a political solution. Hopefully this will be forthcoming in the New year.
Investments continue within the group in capital equipment, to maintain our competitiveness and customer service levels, with the addition of a new 90T BOY high pressure injection moulding machine in May this year, and substantial investment in tooling for our new and exciting range of PVC pipe & fittings. This will be followed next year by further investments in extrusion with an addition of a new production line for our range of PVC products.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers worldwide for their confidence in Bisson as a supplier and offering us their valued business. It remains for me to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy & prosperous New year.
As Covid is likely to be around for the foreseeable future stay safe & healthy.
Best regards
Martin Betty
Managing Director