As a relatively small independent company, we are often asked by our customers what plans we have in place for coping with disasters. This is especially crucial for our OEMs, whose own production, shipments, and income depend on receiving parts from us on schedule. Hurricane Ike provided a concrete answer to that question.
Everyone hopes that their disaster plans and preparations will never be put to the test, but for us and much of the Texas coastal area that hope was destroyed when Ike made landfall in the early hours of September 13. While Houston is far enough inland to escape the devastation inflicted by Ike's tidal surge, the winds brought down many of the century-old pines and oaks that give Valco's neighborhood its character. (photos below)
Our buildings received only minor damage, but downed trees knocked out power for us and most of the city. Our main office and data center immediately went to backup power and remained operational, so that even on the first business day after the storm, a few dedicated employees were on hand to take phone calls. Many of our administrative and tech support people were not able to reach the office, so employees at VICI AG in Switzerland worked extra hours to be available for customers during our normal business hours.
VICI AG also made scheduled shipments to our OEMs while our maintenance staff worked to get our production areas onto generator power and back in operation. (Ultimately, our generating capacity would reach 500,000 watts.) In a very short time one shop was up and running around the clock. As other shops became functional, we went to 12 hour days. As a result of this great effort, we set a new record for per day shipments, with shipments for the month exceeding sales. And now we are even better prepared for the next emergency, should it ever come.
Photos courtesy of Max Loy
