Editor Allan Leibowitz comments on the news of the week

To say these are difficult times would be a severe understatement. This week, we report on the impact of the coronavirus on manufacturers in Italy and France as Europe cops the brunt of the pandemic. The good news is that it's still business as usual - or close to that - for some, but others have been forced to begin temporary closures due to government restrictions or supply chain challenges. Meanwhile, curbs on travel will certainly see the end of international events for the time being, and we report on some postponements this week. We also include some highlights and insights from the MODEX event, which our head office staff had to miss, like so many others in the industry. Reflecting on the current challenges, we are reassured that the materials handling sector seems to get through any hardship and we're confident that we'll survive this one - through a mix of hard work, innovation and perseverance. Stay safe and we'll help you keep informed.