Avian Flu Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

1. Does Ansell Healthcare have adequate stockpiles of supplies to meet our needs?

Ansell maintains stocks in three warehouses across North America. We target to have a 2-3 month supply on-hand, in addition to the stock in the warehouses of our distributor partners. We are in the position to handle special situations and requests and encourage discussing these with your account manager.

2. With all of the talk about rising latex costs and reactions in the industry, we are concerned about our suppliers’ commitment and their resources. Is Ansell committed to us?

Ansell has a long history and track record in the medical and industrial disposable business. We have established a solid track record of developing innovative products designed to meet the needs of our customers. Unlike some of our competitors, we operate multiple manufacturing facilities. These facilities currently employ over 9000 people spread over three continents.

3. My current supplier does not manufacture their own gloves. In the event of a pandemic, how can I be assured of supply continuity and priority?

Ansell does source some products from a select group of vendor partners who produce products to Ansell’s standards and specifications. Through our many decades of experience we have developed strong partner partnerships. More importantly, we are a manufacturing company with a 100+ year history in this business. We currently produce FDA approved medical products in 6 of our own factories. In addition, we produce related personal protective equipment in an additional 6 Ansell sites. These manufacturing locations are spread across 7 countries and 3 continents. We firmly believe that our manufacturing footprint gives us a significant amount of control in the event of a pandemic.

4. What level of inventory should we maintain?

In the US the VHA, the national health alliance, recently surveyed 267 hospital leaders and found that among the supplies thought to be needed most during an outbreak, nearly 90 percent (86 percent) of respondents said their inventory would last 16 days or less, with 59 percent saying they had a 7-day supply of these products on hand. With this in mind we encourage our customers to take prudent steps to insure an adequate level of products to react quickly. Your account manager can discuss this with you and help to design and implement a reasonable program.

5. We are concerned that an outbreak in an Asian country could potentially cause a disruption in our supply?

Unlike some of our competitors, Ansell produces products in multiple countries and locations. This greatly reduces our vulnerability and dependency on any one facility.

6. In the event of a pandemic, will Ansell be able to meet my needs?

We will make every effort to satisfy all the demands placed on us and will use all of our available resources. In the event of a pandemic and a large increase in demand, first priority will be given to our existing customers.

7. How can I get more information?

We encourage you to contact your account manager and visit our website.