Australia: Boral has reported that, in most jurisdictions, its activities are currently considered to be within the critical infrastructure and construction sectors that are permitted and encouraged to continue as essential businesses. This includes Boral’s US Fly Ash business, which provides an essential service to the energy sector. In some areas however, particularly in North America and Asia, more stringent mandates and restrictions have resulted in temporary closures of several operations.
In addition, demand is declining in most markets and is expected to continue to decline, particularly in residential construction markets where the pipeline of work is substantially reducing in all geographies.
As a result, where it has sufficient inventory levels to supply customers, production curtailments are planned and are now taking place, including shift reductions and temporary plant closures. Boral says that these actions will help to conserve cash and minimise any unintended inventory build-up.
Boral is supporting employees impacted by temporary closures with access to paid leave, unpaid leave, flexible and remote working arrangements (where possible) and assistance with accessing relevant government support.
