In a letter that was sent to all Polaris suppliers,
Polaris Suppliers, Monday, March 23, 2020
The impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is rapidly evolving, challenging the way we work, do business and operate in general. As we continue to navigate these unprecedented times, we want to update you about the actions Polaris has taken
to date.
Employee Safety: With employee safety a top priority, Polaris has taken aggressive steps to reduce the risk of exposure for our employees. As such, we have implemented the following actions over the past 10 days:
Restricted Employee Travel: Polaris has limited all travel to business critical only, requiring senior leadership approval.
- Restricted Visitor Policy: Polaris is restricting visitors at all locations. Any visits deemed business critical will
- need senior leadership approval prior to accepting the meeting. Additionally, visitors will be required to
- complete questions relating to recent travel before approval.
- Employee Work from Home: Where able, Polaris employees are strongly encouraged to work from home
- to allow for additional "social distancing" and lessened face-to-face interactions.
- Social Distancing: For those employees in our distribution centers and manufacturing facilities, we are
- deploying other types of social distancing initiatives to reduce potential risk of exposure.
the shifting business needs of our dealers and customers.
We continue to evaluate external market demands, our supply chain and distribution networks, government mandates and local orders, among other factors, and will communicate any revised requirements to the supply
base.
base.
Planned Dates: Polaris will suspend production starting Tuesday, March 24th, with a planned re-start on Thursday, April 2nd. Polaris will continue to monitor its needs during this time and adjust the re-start date as appropriate.
Shipment Pickups: Starting Monday, March 23rd, Polaris has deferred all North American scheduled shipments/pickups to align with the duration of the planned suspension.
Impacted Suppliers: This applies to all North American suppliers, however there will be exceptions for those suppliers that support products considered essential by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), such as vehicles built/upfitted for US Military, Federal, State or Local governments; or customers who are critical to the nation's shipping and delivery services. Those exempt suppliers will receive additional information in the coming day(s).
In addition to these activities, Polaris is currently evaluating multiple aspects of the business processes relating to Supply Chain, including without limitation payment terms, check runs and other financial measures. Any process changes will be
communicated in the coming days. We appreciate your continued support and partnership as we navigate these unique challenges, and we Thank You! for your steadfast support and appreciate your commitment to Polaris.
In addition to these activities, Polaris is currently evaluating multiple aspects of the business processes relating to Supply Chain, including without limitation payment terms, check runs and other financial measures. Any process changes will be
communicated in the coming days. We appreciate your continued support and partnership as we navigate these unique challenges, and we Thank You! for your steadfast support and appreciate your commitment to Polaris.
Below you will find some FAQ's that we hope you find helpful.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is Polaris suspending operations?As anticipated, pandemic concerns ultimately began to impact demand and we are adjusting our operations accordingly. Between our Retail Flow Management (RFM) system and our agile workforce, Polaris is built to react quickly during rapidly changing times.
Polaris continues to diligently manage its business and will adjust based on current demand signals and continued market uncertainty.
What plants are impacted?
United States: Huntsville, Alabama; Spirit Lake, Iowa; Monticello, Minnesota; Roseau, Minnesota; Battle Ground, Washington; Osceola, Wisconsin
Mexico: Monterrey
Poland: Opole
What remains open?
During this time, Polaris will continue to ship finished vehicles to dealers, as well as produce products that are considered essential by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency ("CISA"), such as vehicles built or upfitted for the U.S. military; federal, state or local governments; or customers who are critical to the nation's shipping and delivery services.
During this time, Polaris will continue to ship finished vehicles to dealers, as well as produce products that are considered essential by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency ("CISA"), such as vehicles built or upfitted for the U.S. military; federal, state or local governments; or customers who are critical to the nation's shipping and delivery services.
The Company will continue to manufacture and deliver boats to meet retail customer orders; and its distribution centers will continue to operate, shipping parts, garments and accessories to dealers and customers.
In addition to boats, Polaris will continue to operate the Taylor-Dunn and GEM facility based in Anaheim, CA.
Will you plan to extend the closure of some or all of the suspended facilities?
Polaris will continue to evaluate external market demand, its supply chain, government mandates and local orders, and the safety of its employees, among other factors, when making decisions.