Situation at Le Valais - Update as of July 16, 2024

As of July 16, 20224

Most of the cleaning and mud removal operations at the two plants is almost complete allowing us to safely access the halls and machines. We are still pumping water in the basements, the water table in the region remains at the highest level ever seen. Nevertheless, our main priorities are now to focus on the micro cleaning of our machines and saving our equipment. 

We take this situation very seriously, and we put all efforts and resources. We want to move quickly but also to restart efficiently and safely.

The machines need micro cleaning and drying as the mud, more specifically silt, is embedded in every little nook and cranny of our machines. Every machines equipment below 1m50 remained in the water for more than 24h, and after in the mud for few days. All electrical cabinets, engines, pumps, etc., need to be rigourously inspected and treated. It's after this crucial inspection procedure that we will have a better idea of the next steps to follow.   

We have external professional companies who built specialized laboratories in each shop floors, using very advanced cleaning techniques, specialised furnaces to dry parts, top notch vacuums to remove moisture, and specific equipment to dry electronic cards.   

All of our machine's vendors are now mobilised and ready to assist and provide guidance and maintenance, so we avoid unnecessary problems or delays.

This is a very challenging situation as the plants are operating with no water nor electricity.  

We remain committed to restarting production in both facilities as soon as we can safely and efficiently do so.