Despite the state of emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic both locally and globally, companies within the JGL Group are currently doing well and experiencing no significant negative impact of the crisis on their business activities and financial situation.
"Even though we are witnessing an unplanned devaluation of currencies in all of our markets in the key CIS region, sales results for the first quarter have surpassed our plans, primarily because of increased demand and full operating capacity. I want to thank our employees for their efforts in helping us mitigate the effects of the current situation,” says Mislav Vučić, JGL’s CEO.
After the first confirmed case of infection in Croatia, the company established a crisis management team. It is tasked with following and monitoring daily developments related to COVID-19, including its impact on health, business and the wider economic situation, and communicating with employees on a regular basis. Business activities in all our markets have been reorganised to reduce the potential risk of spreading infection. We have imposed a ban on travel and on visits from external partners, suppliers and associates, and implemented preventive measures for commercial vehicle drivers that come to our facilities. We have increased cleaning and hygiene measures in every area and reduced contacts. We have implemented advanced remote working tools for communication and our field sales teams have been withdrawn from all our markets. Mobile phones, apps and online training sessions are now our primary customer communication channels.
As a responsible stakeholder in the Croatian healthcare system, JGL is cooperating with its affiliates Adrialab and Pablo pharmacies to ensure an increased supply of products that may help prevent infections and maintain proper hygiene of the nose, throat and eyes. These include products from the Aqua Maris, Vizol S and Septogal ranges, paracetamol for treating pain and fever, and products that help disinfect the skin, objects and areas, such as Dermospray and 70% denatured alcohol, which have been in high demand in the past few weeks.
"We have increased our efforts in the area of counselling and professional services provided in pharmacies and ensured maximum protection for pharmacists who are in direct contact with patients. Our employees and their families have been provided with hygiene, protective and preventive products. In addition, a portion of the funds and products we donate has been redirected to institutions, hospitals and organisations that offer primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare services. I am especially pleased that we are continuing to invest in our employees despite the turbulent times we find ourselves in. At a time when many companies are unfortunately laying off workers and suspending their business activities, we are doing everything we can to maintain constant growth and let our employees know how important they are to us,” Vučić concludes.