In January, Dubai-based Printech Middle East LLC beat its performance for the month last year, despite a fire having gutted its premises in November, said Archana Patel, director of organisational development & quality. Recovery from the fire, which broke out at 12.15pm on 17 November 2012, revealed the company’s core values, she told Packaging MEA.
“This was a litmus test for Printech’s leadership team and we are happy to inform you that the business is better than before within one month of the fire – January 2013 was, for us, up by 23% compared with January 2012,” she said.
Printech had moved into its new premises, where the fire struck, on 7–8 August 2012.
In the aftermath of the blaze, Printech built up its materials through airfreight, loans from customers, and urgent shipments from suppliers, she said.
“We took another office on rent and purchased and set up new furniture, office equipment, phones, internet and all IT equipment within a week,” she said.
“Rather than worrying about the fire, which was beyond our control, we focused on the way forward.”
The crisis also taught Printech three key lessons that other firms could share, she added.
“First, never give up – the other side of the problem is an opportunity,” she said.
“Second, maintain a back-up copy of important data and accounts at a remote location. Third, have a crisis management drill every quarter or month, depending upon your requirement.”