INDUSTRY LEADERS FORUM
Lee James General Manager, Filta Cleaning Products How was 2020 for Filta? What were the highlights? What were the challenges? As for most of our partners 2020 has been a challenging year. COVID has brought about several supply constraints and this, coupled with market uncertainty, has seen us have to adapt fast to ensure we meet our customers’ needs as they changed throughout the year. Highlights was the voice of the market. It was through these uncertain times that communication with our suppliers and key stakeholders came to the forefront. We were able to action quickly, up our inbounds and or change our supply point, which in-turn allowed us to meet the expectations of our key clients. This led to opportunities for the NZ market based around keeping our essential staff safe and NZ safe. All though these were many challenges, Filta looked to these as key opportunities and adapted to change that was being asked of us. It was at times exciting and exhausting to be part of the industry at a time when the importance of cleaning and or cleaners was at an all-time high. We were proud to be an essential supplier to the cleaning industry and the entire team put their hearts and souls into ensuring we were there for our customers.
How did Filta adjust to the impact of the pandemic? Communication was critical. We adapted to our supply points and changed our strategy around market updates and information. We felt it 24 INCLEAN NEW ZEALAND February 2021
was crucial to provide accurate and up to date information of stock holding and or inbounds. Post the first lockdown we then looked to sure up stock and look to areas where supply could be impacted and how we could best avoid this for the market.
What will be the immediate focus for Filta in 2021? The Filta team recognises the market drive for change has rapidly escalated in the past 12 months. We are assessing our supply points and looking to sure up continuity of supply. Inbound freight has become a challenge so this is also a key focus for Filta as we enter Q1 for 2021.
What challenges and opportunities do you see for Filta in 2021? We enter 2021 with an ear of caution. The pandemic is not over globally, and we are very mindful of this. 2021 will be a year we assess supply points, look to evaluate ranging, and ensure post-COVID in the NZ market we are adaptive and responsive to our clients’ needs, especially should another outbreak occur.
What challenges and opportunities do you see for the industry over the next 12 months? The key challenge with be supply of core lines for a COVID response should this happen. The market has reacted well throughout 2020 but this has been reactive. 2021 should be proactive and the challenge is to set plans in place to achieve this.