Taking stock

Are you having supply chain issues due to the situation in the Red Sea? I thought it appropriate to flag up here that inks and coatings specialist Flint Group has issued a statement commenting on the escalating impact caused by shipping delays across trade routes in the Middle East, saying “the redirection of sea freight around the Cape of Good Hope, bypassing the Red Sea-Suez Canal route, is anticipated to lead to extended transit times, ranging from two to six weeks. These changes also affect other sea freight routes - notably transatlantic crossings - due to the limited availability of containers and ships. Flint Group continues to evaluate cost increases carefully and, where relevant, may evaluate the implementation of freight surcharges. We will update our customers as the situation evolves and continue to do everything we can to minimise any adverse impacts. The company recommends that customers proactively plan stock levels in anticipation of increased lead times.” Perhaps you need a conversation with your consumables suppliers - if only to set your mind at rest?