Twin Rivers Technologies Blog

 

Supply Chain Amid a Global Pandemic

Posted by Danielle Wentworth on Apr 6, 2020 10:00:00 AM

Twin Rivers Technologies' supply chain is designed to provide a secure and consistent logistics network to our customers despite what is happening across the globe.  Our strategically located manufacturing site in Quincy, MA has access to a deep-water port and a short line railroad, which services our facility daily.  Our location allows for continued support by domestic and international supply partnerships.  Coupled with strategic terminal partnerships in North Carolina and Illinois, we have seen no interruption in our supply chain or in our ability to supply the high quality naturally based specialty oleochemicals and glycerin you expect from an organization that has been in business for more than 25 years.  

Leela Landress Perez from Oleochem Analytics recently published an article about the constraints global oleochemical markets are facing amid the spread of coronavirus.  Currently Malaysia is the world’s second-largest producer of palm and oleochemicals after Indonesia. In the article, Perez discusses the Restricted Movement Order (RMO) implemented by Malaysian Prime Minister after the nation faced an increase of COVID-19 cases.  Similar to restrictions in the US, the order did allow for exemptions such as manufacturers of disinfectants, sanitizers and detergents.  Some plants continue to run, but according to Perez, each oleochemical company will likely need to apply for exemptions to continue operating. Sources in the region said that if the Malaysian oleochemical plants are considered supplying essential products and they have government approval, then they are allowed to run at 50% of capacity.

Market dynamics have also seemingly caused a rapidly tightening glycerin market as concerns are increasing about crude and refined glycerin production in the region as demand for oleochemicals rises with the continued spread of COVID-19.

 Additionally, there are also logistics constraints that are further upsetting the supply chain.  Vessels shipping oleochemicals to the US out of southeast Asia are heard to be delayed amid port and logistics constraints.  To read the full article Global Oleochemical Markets Face Supply Constraints on Shipping, Logistics Slowdown by Leela Landress Perez, please click here.

In recent weeks, TRT has seen increased demand across all our fatty acid and glycerin product lines due to industries we serve having increased demand themselves. Should you have increased demand or a first time need from TRT, contact your sales representative or contact us here

We, like every business and individual affected by COVID-19, have faced and will continue to face challenges to ensure our business continues to run.  We are committed to our loyal employees and customers and will do whatever necessary to work through these challenges and come out stronger.

Topics: COVID-19, supply chain