by By David Swers
The ongoing effects of the global pandemic continue to create challenges for companies across industries and communities around the world. We have all felt the effects of this unexpected and challenging time in both our personal and professional lives.
From a business perspective, there has been much to navigate and learn. The past 18 months have been unparalleled.
Our industry has never before seen so many overlapping challenges —from shortages and inconsistent raw material availability to shipping and freight delays, labor shortages, hiring struggles, and more—all combined with record consumer demand and an overarching priority to maintain health and safety.
We’ve learned many lessons and continue to do so as we navigate a fluid situation to build for the future, whatever that may hold, because we can’t let the frustrations of today prevent innovation and development for tomorrow.
Lesson 1: Remain flexible
When the pandemic started, rightfully our first action was to immediately develop and implement safeguards to protect the wellbeing of our associates. It’s not just about Covid, but finding new ways of working that will limit the spread of any infectious pathogen. After addressing the immediate needs for safety, we had to consider how to quickly adapt and be dynamic in an ever-changing situation, while also being willing to make mistakes and reevaluate.
As sites re-opened and demand grew, it became clear that we needed to pull forward our existing expansion plans to help us act quickly to build robust operations that would support growth and allow us to be even more nimble in the future.
We are now investing more than $250 million in our facilities and infrastructure to expand capacity, enhance flexibility and improve productivity through new facilities, equipment, and more. Many of these machines are already online and running faster while also using less energy, so we can remain steadfast in our corporate sustainability goals.
While there will always be issues that need immediate attention, we must be flexible and prioritize urgent needs with long-term requirements to do our best to support our customers.
Lesson 2: Share what you know
Candidly, we made a mistake early on in the pandemic by communicating timelines to our customers that turned out to be unrealistic. At the time, we underestimated the level of volatility at play in the supply chain as well as the strength and longevity of demand, and we were overly optimistic about our ability to control the situation.
After so many years of being trusted partners with our customers, it has been disappointing to fall short of expectations and delivery timeframes. We’re working hard to rebuild that trust, which includes being more transparent about what we know, as well as what we don’t.
We’re working with customers more closely than ever before to share delivery timeframes, communicate updates as we have them, and if needed, identify alternative Sunbrella fabric options. We have also developed and are launching a new customer portal that will make it even easier to select fabrics and get updates about orders.
Lesson 3: Don’t settle
Our creation process from design to weaving is more complex than other options in the market as our fabrics are unique and perform to the highest standards. Above all, we cannot and will not compromise on the beauty and quality of the Sunbrella fabrics our customers have come to expect from us. For us, it’s not an option to take shortcuts that would diminish that trust, even if it means longer lead times.
Nor will we compromise on protecting the health and welfare of our associates.
While there is much we can’t control, we’re focused on what we can. While this record demand hasn’t come without its challenges, the outdoor furnishings industry has new opportunities and bright spots ahead as consumers focus on refreshing and enjoying their homes and outdoor spaces.
As we enter a new year, we’re grateful for all that we have, even the tough lessons learned. From everyone at Glen Raven, we wish you a healthy and happy year ahead.
David Swers is president and COO of Glen Raven Custom Fabrics. This story first appeared at Casual News Now
