Unsurprisingly photography and photographic production have been affected by the current global Covid-19 pandemic, as photographers practice isolation and photography companies deal with a reduction in employees and orders, including British photographic manufacturing company, Ilford Photo.
In a statement released on 30th March, the UK-based firm announced that they would cease production at their manufacturing site in Mobberley, Cheshire, in response to the government’s social distancing guidelines:
“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.”
Though the British government have banned certain public-facing businesses from opening (such as theatres, pubs etc.) it is, currently, not against the law for manufacturing companies to continue operating as long as they follow relevant restrictions and procedures. However, Harman has decided to take the initiative to protect the health and safety of its employees and close its factory. The press release stated that the company “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”.
Despite this halt in production, Ilford’s stock is still available to purchase from its warehouse via online orders, though the company are keen to assure customers on the safety of their employees and outgoing stock, stating in their release that “social distancing measures are being adhered to and personal protective equipment is in use” and “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”.
Read the full statement on the Ilford Photo website here.