HWP: “We Are Very Much Open For Business”
Three days after the fire that destroyed the Paint & Body Shop and administrative facilities of HWP, operations are resuming for automotive and cycle sales, mechanical service, parts and cycle service.
Jonathan Brewin, President & CEO, HWP Group commented, “The management team and the staff of HWP have been incredible. While we have massive challenges facing us, the HWP team has pulled together as a family and has worked selflessly to get us this far in such a short space of time.”
“I would also like to thank everyone in the community who has offered their assistance and best wishes at this time. Naturally there are still unanswered questions that will take time for us to resolve, but we’re working hard on that too.”
Mr. Brewin added, “I am delighted to report that our sales divisions are fully functioning albeit on paper rather than our computer system. We respectfully ask for all those customers with orders or bookings to get in touch on our customer service hotline 295 5000.”
Tony Martin, Senior VP – Automotive Sales, HWP Group commented, “Automotive and cycle inventories did not suffer too much in the fire, apart from the loss of a small number of vehicles. At this time, it is important for us to conduct business and we encourage the public to take this opportunity to purchase from our wide selection.”
“We have reverted to our paper-based system for the time being and have over 160 cars and 120 bikes in stock, with new shipments on the way, so we urge the public to spread the word that we are very much open for business.”
Terry Heilbron, VP – After Sales & Business Development, HWP Group commented on the mechanical services team, “The guys in the workshop have been outstanding, every one of them has been prepared to knuckle down and get on with their work under these difficult circumstances.”
“We are a fully functioning team; our only slight issue is the lack of the computerised inventory system, which means locating parts is taking longer than usual. I would say we are able to work at around 70-80% capacity at the moment though.”
Andrew Hill, Senior Parts Manager, Auto & Cycle, HWP Group commented, “The fire has probably hit the parts department hardest, as we have an enormous inventory and rely heavily on the computerised inventory to help us to quickly locate parts.”
“I would like to thank customers for their understanding, and ask that if any customer needs to purchase parts from us then they should preferably come to the parts department on St. John’s Road rather than call the customer service hotline, as we will be able to assist them better in person.”
Don Mackenzie, Chairman, HWP Group concluded, “This is a catastrophic event for HWP. The shareholders of HWP are completely focused on two priorities. Firstly, the preservation of HWP and therefore continuity of employment for our employees.”
“The second priority is to serve our customers and to set customer expectations through effective and transparent communications. The patience and support of our customers, suppliers and the broader community are critical at this time. This is a difficult time for our company and we need to be pragmatic, positive and realistic.”
Well done HWP! keep it up!
Ok,you are open for business… and that is a good thing, but what about the people who may have their tanks polluted ? what should they do ? and they have health concerns about what the hell was put in their tanks ….. and who is going to pay for their tanks to be cleaned ? and guess what the sad thing is we have no facility to test our water !!!!!!!!!!! we are in a mess !!! on another note if your doctor sends you to K.E.M.H for urine or blood tests. be patient it could be weeks for your results… because the present government have no facility to do these tests … talk about a third world country !!!!!!!!!!
@ Pepper I agree with you 100% percent!
I am a landlady who was was affected by the soot and smoke. What irritates me is how the hell was I supposed to get on my roof to clog up my drains when the Government issued a press release in the latter part of the day for residents to stay inside their homes or seek elsewhere until the HWP fire and heavily dense fumes was under control. As most maintenance firms are NOT 24 hour service who was I supposed to call to come an assist me with my roof.
Why does the Government have to taken responsibility. Yes I agree with them assisting with the water testing but HWP is not a Government owned business.
HWP owners did not even once express their concerns with the effected residents in the area. Will they be COMPENSATING ALL the residents who’s roofs and water tanks that need to be cleaned. HWP needs to make a formal statement of apology to the RESIDENTS of the area for the unforeseen incident. My guess is when HWP receives that BIG FAT HEFTY INSURANCE check we the RESIDENTS will be the furthest thing from their minds on pay day.
SAD
Why do people always have to be so frigin negative. I am sure those people who live East of HWP and might have been effected by the ash, have made contact to check their roof, water etc… Judging by the comment it goes to show just how ignorant some people are. There are plenty of PRIVATE companies that test water in Bermuda, no need to put blame on Government.
But hey i am sure they are probably blaming the PLP for the fire too….
What else is new, it seems these jokers have nothing better to do, but try and fault the Government for every ill.
Maybe just maybe, it would be nice to see them offer some positive suggestions every once in awhile.
Guess its kinda hard to think straight, when they probably smoking all their million dollar dope they bringing in.
A mind is a terrible thing to waste.
NO WATER IN AREAS WHERE BELCO SHUT OFF LIGHTS TODAY. WHAT BHC LENT OUT THE WATER?
waiting too