NO MATERIAL DAMAGE TO ITS PLANTS AFTER THE SEVERE FLOODS IN KZN SAYS SAPPI

SAPPI, the global wood fibre products group, said yesterday in an update on its South African operations – following severe floods in KwaZulu-Natal – that there was no material damage to any of its plants. With reference to the original announcement of April 13, the weather conditions in the affected areas have improved and mopping up operations are in progress. Sappi’s employees had returned to work. “The immediate focus is on reinstating logistical supply chains for raw materials and finished goods,“it said. Mill operations had resumed with Tugela and Stanger Mills fully operational. Production at Saiccor Mill had started up in a phased manner and would take a few days to ramp up to full capacity. “Damage to public infrastructure including rail and road connections will take time to restore. Alternative arrangements to ensure delivery of raw materials … have been made. Additional warehousing facilities were secured,” Sappi said. However, it flagged that although the Port of Durban resumed operations, export deliveries could be impacted negatively for a few weeks due to damage to access roads, congestion and limited availability of vessel space. |