Here, all V-LINE and business related developments will be constantly shared and updated.
June 16, 2020.
The European Commission has recommended that member states and Schengen associated countries remove internal border controls by June 15, 2020. At the same time, it is recommended to extend the temporary restriction on unnecessary travel from third countries to the EU until June 30, 2020.
June 9, 2020.
V-LINE implemented a weekly airfreight consol on charter basis to USA for fixed and beneficial rates. Thereby, we can offer our customers a reliable supply chain with calculable charges. It lifts the material flow to USA one step back to normal.
May 26, 2020.
We are currently observing a positive development in the European countries. More and more regulations are eased.
Due to the increased restrictions during Eid holidays, we noticed disturbances of material flow in the direction of Middle East.
May 19, 2020.
The corona virus also influences this year’s Eid al-Fitr holidays, starting on May 23. The residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia need to expect higher regulations regarding public life.
May 18, 2020.
V-LINE slowly takes steps back into the new normal. To be safe and set for this, we adapted the work safety to the new standards of SARS-CoV-2 of the federal ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. Thus, we can secure proactively operational readiness and are prepared for the next times. We developed a full hygiene concept that includes measures for both employees and broader ones, e.g. more specific tasks for our cleaning staff. All this is done to meet our highest goal, the health and safety of our employees. Thus, we can be best available for our customers.
May 12, 2020.
V-LINE’s Video Podcast “How to Improve Supply Chain Reliability in Corona Times” addresses situation in Europe, the US and logistics in general. Our three international experts give insights and explain how you can make your supply chain 16% more reliable. Watch it now!
May 8, 2020.
The established task force ” SUPPLY CHAIN TRANSPARENCY ” is committed to provide maximum transparency to our customers. In a third wave, a cross-departmental group phoned all suppliers that have been affected by delay or shutdown again to refresh the general overview of their overall situation. The gathered information flows into our customized weekly status reports and is already reflected in the individual reports.
Through this campaign, we have been able to gain the following insights as of today:
- Approx. 87% of all active orders are running smooth, without any known restrictions due to the current situation
- At approx. 6%, delays shall be expected, as the supplier is not able to provide exact information on the current situation and delivery time at the present time
- For about 6.5 % of all active orders the delays are known and have been reported already
- A minimum of items are currently affected by complete shutdowns. Most of them are located in India. We are in regular contact with the makers and keep tack on them.
April 29, 2020.
Italy plans restart of industry for next week. Thus, the V-LINE Task Force will take action and will start proactively a third wave to ask about the status of the Italian suppliers and parts.
April 28, 2020.
The situation stabilizes in most European countries. Beginning of May, many countries discuss their measures and restrictions. Thus, we will also give an update beginning of May.
April 17, 2020.
Country overview of restrictions that affect V-LINE suppliers (as of today)
European Countries
| Germany | Existing regulations regarding ban of meetings on more than 2 persons extended until May 3 |
| Italy | All non-essential businesses are not working, extended until May 3 |
| Spain | Restrictions on social and economic activities until May 9 |
| France | Restrictions on social and economic activities until May 10 |
| UK | Restrictions on social and economic activities until May 7 |
| Austria | Austria has taken the first steps back towards normality, small shops and parks reopen |
| Switzerland | Restrictions on social activities until April 26. Restrictions will be gradually eased in three stages: on April 27, May 11 and finally on June 8 |
| Europe | Increased border controls lead to delay in transport of goods. This also affects borders between EU member countries |
Countries outside of Europe
| India | Complete lockdown of all non-essential businesses until May 3 |
| South Africa | All non-essential production activities are restricted until April 30 |
April 16, 2020.
German government decided yesterday on how to proceed with the restrictions. The existing regulations regarding ban of meetings on more than 2 persons are extended until May 3. Public life is slowly getting back on track with some stores opening again on April 20. In addition, schools are opening up step by step. The government also aligned on reconstituting disrupted supply chains by helping on political base. Different ministries support it to acquire e.g. needed raw materials.
April 14, 2020.
Due to changes in lockdowns and restrictions, V-LINE will start a second wave to approach suppliers and ask about current updates. Thus, the status can be reflected in the system and reports and information can be kept updated.
April 8, 2020.
V-LINE is committed to be the known reliable partner and perform the services best possible for its customers though COVID-19 pandemic keeps us busy globally. At the same time, the health of our employees is very important to us and we want to help to minimize the spread of the virus. Thus, the V-LINE GROUP offices in Germany, the US and Saudi Arabia are already working in a two-shift mode for some weeks now, meaning half of the teams are in the office, the other half work from home and then switch. This was again reduced to let only those colleagues work in the office who cannot work completely from home. To not lose touch to our colleagues, whether locally or internationally, and keep us updated, we organize ourselves via video chats and conferences, via daily team meetings and via our social intranet platform. By this, we keep the service level high as usual, are best available and still flexible for any kind of request we receive.
April 6, 2020.
The established task force ” SUPPLY CHAIN TRANSPARENCY ” is committed to provide maximum transparency to our customers. Proactively, a cross-departmental group approached over 1000 suppliers by phone to get an overview of their overall situation. The gathered information flows into our customized weekly status reports and is already reflected in the individual reports.
Through this campaign, we have been able to gain the following insights as of today:
· Approx. 79% of all active orders are running smooth, without any known restrictions due to the current situation
· About 7% of the active total amount are currently affected by complete shutdowns
· At approx. 8%, delays shall be expected, as the supplier is not able to provide exact information on the current situation and delivery time at the present time
· For about 6 % of all active orders the delays are known and have been reported already
April 2, 2020.
Country overview of restrictions that affect V-LINE suppliers (as of today)
European Countries
| Germany | Existing regulations regarding ban of meetings on more than 2 persons extended until April 19 |
| Italy | All non-essential businesses are not working, extended until April 13 |
| Spain | Non-essential companies closed until April 11 |
| France | Restrictions on social and economic activities until April 15 |
| UK | Restrictions on social and economic activities until April 14 |
| Austria | Different restrictions between social distancing and complete lockdown, depending on regions. More information is included in the reports |
| Switzerland | Restrictions on social activities until April 19 |
| Europe | Increased border controls lead to delay in transport of goods. This also affects borders between EU member countries |
Countries outside of Europe
| India | Complete lockdown of all non-essential businesses until April 14 |
| South Africa | All non-essential production activities are restricted until April 16 |
April 1, 2020.
Freight routes from central Europe to Middle East stabilized so far. This includes sea and air freight. Due to capacities and possibilities, the costs are a bit higher than usual; however, commodity flow is stable.
March 30, 2020.
Spain closed all non-essential companies which also impacts our Spanish suppliers. All affected positions will be marked in our reports to our customers. The same also relates to South Africa; here, it is not allowed any more to transport any non-essential goods. Also these affected positions are marked in the reports.
March 27, 2020.
India announced a complete lockdown of the country. This also includes our Indian suppliers. We inform our customers about any impact via our weekly reports in which the affected positions are marked.
March 25, 2020.
V-LINE is eager to keep its supply chains stable into all directions. We evaluate all possibilities to use express and charter flights to move the parts. Thus, if you have urgent orders and need support in transporting, please reach out to your direct contact person, so we can see how to organize express or courier services for you.
March 24, 2020.
Task Force “SUPPLY CHAIN TRANSPARENCY” adapts reporting to situation. Not only is the status at V-LINE included, but also the status of manufacturers and suppliers plus the information of politics and media that affects the business. Thus, the customers receive more details and a high transparency regarding the orders. This change was implemented due to the circumstances at Italy and other European countries.
General situation in Germany: Federal government decided on banning meetings of more than 2 persons in public spaces. Work is not restricted for V-LINE; neither was going out banned. Thus, V-LINE can continue working in its two-shift mode as told.
March 23, 2020.
Yesterday, Italy closed all non-essential businesses and companies. This also impacts V-LINE suppliers. We will keep those affected informed of any delays.
March 20, 2020.
Internal Task Force “SUPPLY CHAIN TRANSPARENCY” adapts general Friday customer reporting to current situation. The information density will be increased to achieve full transparency and extend planning security.
March 18, 2020.
Internal Task Force “SUPPLY CHAIN TRANSPARENCY” has been set up to communicate all business related developments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic to our customers and business partners.
March 17, 2020.
Management decides on two-shift-mode of employees beginning on March 18, 2020, switching between working from home and in the office to best protect our employees. This is implemented at our GROUP companies in Germany, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and United States to ensure a permanent presence and best availability.
March 13, 2020.
Management decides for two-zone-split between office and warehouse at V-LINE EUROPE headquarters in Sehnde. By this, the contact of the employees to each other and thus the possible spread of the Sars-CoV2-virus can be minimized.
