Gorman Rupp National Sales Manager Tony Chirico answered several questions for Pumps & Systems as it pertains to the state of the industry heading into 2022.
1. What are your thoughts regarding COVID-19 vaccines for employees? Has your company instituted a mandate?
We have taken the position that if they enter any of our campus locations that if you are unvaccinated that you are required to wear a mask, and vaccinated individuals are free from wearing it but can if they elect to.
2. How have any price increases of products or materials impacted you or your company?
We are in a good position because of our inventory position, and we have been able to weather the storm better than others. Just like everyone else, we are being pressured now and have initiated a mid-year price increase as a result of it. This was our first mid-year increase in over 12 years.
3. What needs to happen in regards to industry improvements?
Largest need effecting every area is employment. We are in need of workers. Employment has slowed the off-loading of cargo ships, has effected the truckers, locations at terminals are at capacity, shortages upon receipt, quality and the escalation of pricing.
4. What issues have you seen with any material shortages or supply chain issues?
Almost every material/commodity from steel, casting, elastomers, engines, paints, motors, bearing to name a few have had numerous price increases and delays in shipment are as high as 44 weeks.
5. What industry trends are you seeing as we go into 2022?
The pandemic has created a demand for more remote work activity and increase in technology to stream line processes and interaction with customers.
6. What’s on your mind?
There is a lot on my mind from supporting those that I work with, being involved in my community, building relationships with customers that I bring value to, and be able to provide a product that exceeds all expectations at a competitive price that is delivered on time every time.
7. What keeps you up at night?
What keeps me up is all the things I noted in the above, but not to forget about my wife and kids.