As the Coronavirus continues to wreak havoc around the world, HARMAN is frequently reviewing its approach to the pandemic, incorporating the latest guidance issued by the UK Government into our actions.

We stated last week that our principle concern remains the health and safety of our employees and this is still the case. We are also looking at how we can protect the business through this difficult time.

As the situation escalates, we have had to take the difficult decision to temporarily cease production at our Mobberley site from Wednesday 1st April 2020 until further notice.

While the UK government advice indicates that manufacturing businesses can still operate, with the country in lockdown we feel now is the time to act in order to protect our employees and our National Health Service (NHS) by minimising the spread of the virus.

What does this mean for you, our customers?

Naturally, buying behaviours have changed significantly as people prioritise the essentials, shops have been forced to shut and people are being asked to stay indoors. However, we do hope where possible you will keep buying our film, paper and chemicals to get you through this period of lockdown / self-isolation.

With that in mind:

Our warehouse will remain open (for as long as possible) in order to despatch products to distributors, online retailers and direct to customers via ilfordphoto.com (UK & USA only). Please be assured that social distancing measures are being adhered to and personal protective equipment is in use.

Over recent weeks, in anticipation of this, we increased manufacture of our most popular products, so our warehouse is well stocked in order to meet demand.

Where possible we have moved other essential staff to working from home, so we are still able to service the market to the best of our ability.

Please be aware that many of our stockists are still operating (albeit online only) although we anticipate that the shipping of product could become more difficult over the coming weeks. Therefore, if you are running short of our products and looking to replenish them, we recommend you purchase them soon.

What does this mean for the future?

For over 140 years the ILFORD name has been synonymous with film photography and we intend to continue this well into the future. In stopping production, we are simply taking the necessary short-term measures to safeguard the long-term future of our business and our most valuable assets, our employees.

Most of our employees have been ‘furloughed’ under a UK government job retention scheme and are all eager to pick up where they off as quickly and efficiently as possible. At that point the world may still be facing economic challenges and further uncertainly but with your continued support and passion we are determined to come back stronger than ever.

Until then please stay safe, stay at home, shoot some film, make some prints and remember to wash your hands. As always stay in touch with us on our @ilfordphoto social channels and website: www.ilfordphoto.com