March 30, 2020
Dear Customers,
With the unprecedented events that have significantly changed all our lives and are impacting your business, I wanted to take a few moments to assure you that all of us at FMP stand by ready to help as you attempt to respond to mandated dine-in closings and shelter-in-place orders. We know you are working to stabilize your business and take care of your customers and employees.
Two weeks ago, I could not have imagined the challenges that everyone would be facing today or the impact on the foodservice industry that we are all experiencing. Like you, our priorities are a balancing of what is necessary to keep our employees safe and healthy with the needs of our customers. We are committed to do both.
We are in stock and open for business, operating in this new reality. We are shipping five days a week from our three distribution centers. Expedited shipping is always available and we will work with you to get the parts and supplies you need, when and where you need them. I am so proud of our employees and their enhanced commitment to help our customers in troubling times. They know the challenges you are facing and are dedicated to ensuring your kitchens are open and ready for business.
Like most businesses, we have taken a number of steps including a policy of social distancing. I am happy to report that all of our team who can work from home are doing so. Our representatives and customer service personnel are accessible via phone and email, just as if they were in the office. Unfortunately, this is not a possibility for many in our industry. To keep your team safe we have instituted a number of practices at our warehouses including restricting access of non-employees, increasing the level and intensity of cleaning, and we will be conducting temperature scans of all employees beginning Monday.
For those of you who have relied on our counter/will call service, we’ve made modifications to enable us to be there for you when you have an urgent need for a part. Curbside Pick-up is available Monday through Friday at all of our locations from 8am to 4pm. Simply place your order by phone or online selecting Curbside Pick-up, and we’ll pick, pack and bring the order out to your vehicle when you arrive.
We are looking for ways to help you during these challenging times. I wanted to be sure you are aware of our free Do It Yourself (DIY) educational program. It teaches foodservice operators how to make DIY fixes for common kitchen repairs and handle preventive maintenance tasks that keep kitchens moving. In addition to the existing library of resources, FMP has launched a new video series and educational alerts that help operators adhere to changing sanitary protocols. Our hope is that this will enable you to keep your kitchens up and running. Information on DIY at FMP can be found on our website.
You and your customers are on the front lines of many of the new guidelines and bans being instituted across the country. We understand what a trying time this must be for your business. We have always been there for you and our commitment stands strong through this time.
Thank you,
Tom Pendrey
President of FMP
March 17, 2020
Dear Customers,
As the situation surrounding Coronavirus (COVID-19) is changing rapidly, this is an unprecedented time for everyone. At FMP, the health and safety of our customers and team members is our top priority. We are taking steps to increase our vigilance, while doing our best to be here for you as much or as little as you need. We know your livelihood depends on us and we have moved quickly to ensure there isn’t any interruption in serving you. Our entire company is here to help you.
First we are monitoring the guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) guidelines and recommendations on the actions we can take to help prevent the spread of the virus.
To do our part in social distancing, the majority of our staff is working from home until further notice. Our reps can be reached at their normal business phone numbers and email addresses. We have also replaced counter service at all of our locations with Curbside Pick-up. For the employees who are still working in our facilities, we have elevated our cleaning practices to adhere to the latest guidelines.
We have advised and encouraged our team members to follow these best practices to help keep themselves and others healthy:
- Wear gloves.
- Frequent handwashing is your best defense against catching or spreading illness.
- Avoid touching your hands and face.
- If you are sick, especially if you are experiencing a fever or flu like symptoms, stay home and call your doctor.
We have also instituted a no-travel policy for the next 30 days. As this is a rapidly changing situation, we are closely monitoring to ensure we stay up to date on the CDC recommendations.
We also recognize that continuity of supply is a concern for our customers. As part of regular business activities, FMP works directly with our manufacturers to ensure continuity of the supply chain. Our demand planning team maintains significant safety stock on high moving items. As of today, we are not experiencing any non-routine outages. Our team is developing alternative sources of supply should the situation change. In the event we need to consider alternative manufacturers, we will work directly with our customers to recommend alternatives.
You and your employees are on the front lines of many of the new guidelines and bans being instituted across the country. We understand what a trying time this must be for your business. We have always been there for you and our commitment stands strong now more than ever.
Thank you,
Tom Pendrey
President of FMP
March 18, 2020
