Big trees in surrounding area
Hi all,
Context first, my company produces plastic packaging for food. We own a land of ~20,000m2 in an industrial park. The local regulation requires that at least 1/3 of the land is dedicated for green area. So the company built the factory, paved routes for vehicles, and preserved some soil alongside the fences for grass & trees. Whenever a personnel of big customer come, we invite them to plant a mango tree with their name plate in that green area. After years, we have dozens of tall mango trees surrounding the factory building. Our neighbour companies have trees too, just different species.
Last month, a foreign client (a branch of our largest customer) carried out a supplier audit here. He insisted that we needed to chop all mango trees because his food-process factory did so some years ago and the trees attracted pests.
Since the issue affects the customer relation matter, the global head-office would take care of further discussions (I wouldn't).
What do you think about the idea of tree demolition?
Our BRCGS Auditors have given no NCs for pest control and we also have to maintain the garden to comply the law.
Any comments are much appreciated,
Hi beautiophile,
I would ensure that my pest controller was inspecting this area regularly.
If pest control reports and BRCGS Audit report state all is clear and there are no issues then I don’t think your customer has a leg to stand on.
Write to the customer pointing out that there are no pest control issues on site and include copies of the above as evidence.
Kind regards,
Tony
Agree with Tony. If you've got some solid records to reflect that insects are not an issue inside your facility, then the "risk" posed by the nearby trees is not sufficient to require action. When it comes to customers with strong-but-wrong beliefs, I normally tell them that our facility is in compliance and good standing with our GFSI certification body and their perceived issue has not raised concerns with certified auditors. We tell them we'll note their concern should any actual issues arise from the area they're focusing on.