Smeg Australia managing director, Jim Kalotheos has provided the below statement to Appliance Retailer with an update on business operations, in light of the coronavirus.

“For Smeg Australia, the highest priority is the health and safety of our family – that’s our staff, the people at home and you, our customers.

“I can report that we have had no confirmed reports of COVID-19 cases and in our Sydney and Melbourne businesses we have implemented the following precautions.

“Repeat communication to all staff on basic general hygiene practices; limited staff contact in and around the office; adopted a work from home policy for the majority of the business; requested staff meet digitally rather than face to face; avoided all overseas and interstate travel; ceased all product demonstrations in our own and retail showrooms and implemented protocols to ensure our technical customer service team and technicians are still fully functioning.

“Our Banksmeadow and Collingwood showrooms will be closed from 19 March until further notice. However, prior arrangements can be made for pick up from our warehouse and spare parts department. Regarding inventory, our factories and warehouses are still operational, and we are delivering daily to customers as required.

“Our sales offices also continue to stand ready to support you with all stock enquiries and orders so please continue to reach out to them as you normally would. For any enquiries, including product information, sales and stock orders, please contact us via email info@smeg.com.au or telephone 02 8667 4888 and our team will forward the request to the appropriate department.

“This information has been communicated to our customers, on our website, social media platforms and all other communication points.

“I would sincerely like to thank our staff and customers for their continued support. Please keep safe and well.”