We’ve seen it before and we’re seeing it again – in times of hardship, Australians pull together for the greater good.
Australian-owned and operated optical wholesaler, Mann Optics has shown exceptional resilience, after the company’s stock was destroyed in the ground floor of their Brisbane office.
Unable to secure insurance due to the shape of their street and proximity to a nearby creek, the Sumner Park building was immersed under two metres of water, with staff unable to get close enough to the building to salvage remains. Fortunately, many of their computers were upstairs.
Watching the turmoil unveiling in the east, West Australian-based competitor Aviva Optical, who share a large part of Mann Optics’ product portfolio, offered to temporarily take on their customer orders until they could return to the premises.
It’s a long, exhausting and drawn out process, but when the industry rallies together, even in a small or unexpected way, it’s that glimmer of hope that keeps us trudging on…
“It was absolutely touching to have another company, and a competitor at that, step in to offer us help,” said Liz Nye, operations manager, Mann Optics. “Losing a substantial chunk of our stock, we’ve basically had to start again from scratch. While we’re not a large company, our customers have always remained loyal and now it’s our turn to be there for their needs during this devastating experience.
“It will be at least 12 months before we’re able to rebuild our supplies to its former levels and are back on our feet again. It’s a long, exhausting and drawn out process, but when the industry rallies together, even in a small or unexpected way, it’s that glimmer of hope that keeps us trudging on,” Nye said.
The company’s motto, “We pride ourselves on customer service… Mann Optics staff are always happy to go that extra mile,” has never bore so much truth.
