March 16, 2020
Henry Schein Chairman and CEO Stanley Bergman told customers in a March 12 letter that the company is working to procure products from existing as well as alternate suppliers, but to expect some product shortages in the weeks ahead. The company is rationing shipments of product to existing customers only, he added.
Bergman provided Henry Schein’s outlook for products currently experiencing the tightest supply – masks, gloves, sanitizer, and gowns:
- Masks. “Currently the most sought-after item, we anticipate elevated demand for months to come, although we expect that our supply chain is likely to begin to loosen in the weeks ahead. Even so, we expect shortages to persist.”
- Gloves. “Demand has surged in recent days. The supply chain for gloves is more stable than masks, and we don’t expect the same degree of pressure.”
- Sanitizer. “Demand has increased during the last several weeks, and we expect there may be disruptions, which is why we are currently rationing supply.”
- Gowns. “In the shortest supply because of a significant manufacturer’s product recall before the COVID-19 outbreak.”
“We appreciate your patience and understanding, commit to providing frequent updates, and thank you again for your efforts to keep society healthy under these extraordinary circumstances,” said Bergman.
— Mark Thill
Repertoire Editor