Weststar Associates Limited, authorized general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria has reopened its facilities in Lagos and Abuja for business operations.
However, due to Coronavirus pandemic and in line with government’s and health experts’ directives,, the company is operating at 50% capacity,“as some are working remotely from their homes.
In a chat with Moses Ebosele of City BusinessNews (www.citybusinessnews@yahoo.com), Marketing Manager, Hakeem Isa said: “Our temporary business opening hours is 9.00am – 3.00pm, Monday – Friday”
Explaining further Isa said: “We have closely monitored the recommendations proffered by health experts (local and foreign) and have spared no detail in ensuring that our employees, customers and visitors are safe at our facilities.
“Prior to the reopening on May 11, 2020, our office premises were fumigated, cleaned and disinfected. In fairness, this has been a regular practice from time, and the only thing that has changed is the frequency that it is done.
“Totally new additions would include mandatory screenings and temperature checks at our entrances. Anyone with a temperature above 37.5°C is automatically denied entry and advised to seek medical attention.
“The compulsory use of face masks have also been implemented and anyone without a face mask will not be allowed into our premises. Five face masks (for Monday to Friday) were provided for all our employees
“To eliminate the risk of possible infections, our technicians have been equipped with protective eyeglasses, gloves, work overalls and face shields at the workshop. Protective cleaning essentials such as overalls, jackets and cleaning gloves have also been made available for the cleaners to protect themselves while cleaning the office premises. Hand sanitizers are also strategically positioned in all vital areas of the office for use.
“Work from home rule has been implemented as a general rule and there is an absolute ban on employees using public transport. Vehicles have been provided to convey employees without cars to ensure that public transport is avoided.
“Several notices are sent out to the employees to remind them about maintaining the hygiene rules during this pandemic.
“To uphold the practice of social distancing, only 50% of our employees are available at the office to cater to our daily customers, while the other 50% are working remotely.
“We are able to avoid being overcrowded because our business operations have been structured in a manner that accommodates only employees at their stations ready to provide the best possible services to clients already on our appointment schedule. We have been communicating regularly with all our stakeholders and are quite happy with their cooperation.
“Our customers remain our priority and we are always available to meet their needs in supplying vehicles and also providing excellent after-sales services for our wide portfolio of commercial vehicles and passenger cars.
“To supplement our limited skeletal operations, we have increased our pace in our field services (which is also based on appointment and proper plan with the client to avoid the risks of infection). Routine service checks can still be performed for walk-in customers.
“Our Parts Department is also very active in ensuring that our channels for the ordering and distribution of parts remain functional to keep our clients pleased with our services.“Like always, Daimler AG has been very supportive and proactive, and most of their outlets worldwide are gradually reopening for business
