Budimex is working and wants to continue building

Work is being carried out on all Budimex construction sites. Problems related to the coronavirus – as a force majeure event – still have a low impact on the company’s operations and  the performance of construction contracts. The vast majority of Budimex employees work normally: directly or remotely. Compared to the previous week, there is a limited, but still greater problem with access to subcontractors and some materials.

“I would like to thank the commitment of employees and subcontractors in this difficult time – especially those on construction sites” – says Dariusz Blocher – President of Budimex SA. “We want to continue the work while maintaining all safety rules”  – adds Blocher.  We have already mobilised additional funds for the purchase of further epidemiological protection measures from all possible sources. Like all other companies, we have a big problem in providing the right amount of disinfectants and masks, because there are not enough of them in Poland.  We must also bear in mind that the health care system now needs them in the first place. We will respond appropriately to ensure the continuity of the company’s operations in such a way as to minimize the risk of spreading the coronavirus flu,” says Dariusz Blocher.

No COVID-19 coronavirus infection has been found among Budimex employees. Only a few people are currently in quarantine.

Material and raw material logistics are working as planned on most construction sites. Polish raw materials are available. Major problems during deliveries are currently occurring only on a dozen or so construction sites. The delays mainly affect components from Germany, Italy, Spain, China and Asia.  Most suppliers cooperating with these countries signal that they are currently unable to deliver products on time. This applies, for example, to elevators or escalators.

At the same time, Budimex is itself involved in helping in the fight against the epidemic.

“We will be involved in the fight against the effects of the epidemic. As a construction company operating in our market, we feel obliged to provide support in this difficult time. We want to help in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, in saving people’s lives and health. We are involved in the initiative “We are together. We help”. We will donate a total of PLN 1 million for the purchase of medical equipment so needed now in infectious disease wards in hospitals. In addition, we are ready to support the organization of a field hospital, if necessary. And he adds: “We cannot be indifferent, we just have to help” – says Dariusz Blocher.

The development of the disease in the coming weeks may significantly affect access to some employees, both own and subcontractors, and thus slow down the work. In the short term, we expect the interruption of the foreign supply chain on several percent of our construction sites and a reduction in the availability of employees – mainly subcontractors and from abroad.

The current situation, along with negative development, may affect the timeliness of construction projects, about which Budimex informs our customers and investors on an ongoing basis. If the current state of affairs persists in the long term, it will have a negative impact on all construction sites carried out by Budimex and the pace of construction production in Poland.