40,000 masks
To meet the needs of his city, populated by 16,791 inhabitants according to the last census, the mayor placed two orders. The first, of 20,000 pieces of fabric, washable and reusable in connection with Portes de France-Thionville, is intended for the population. The second, which consists of 20,000 other masks, surgical this time, was carried out through the AMF (Association of Mayors of France) and the Association of first responders: “They will be reserved in priority for municipal staff, specifies the elected official. That should last three months. ”
If the distribution methods remain to be specified, delivery of this precious protective equipment is expected in mid-May. At this point, the question arises of the cost of these non-budgeted allocations upstream, of course: “It is not neutral for our finances”, breathes Bruno Sapin. Especially since, health crisis or not, the law of the market exerts its relentless mechanics.
There is still 6 months , it cost 25 cents
The scarcity of a product claimed worldwide has greatly boosted the unit price of these masks: “We left, with the city, on the basis of negotiations for € 3.50 the fabric mask. “The bulk order reduced the price to € 2.70 duty free. Positive points: half of the invoice is chargeable to the intermunicipal association and the purchase is not backed by a VAT of 20% , ” but of 5.5% “
“We too are in these waters,” observes Dominique Zaccaro, the communicating voice of the Val de Fensch. The neighboring com com ’benefits from the same tariff regime despite a recent change of supplier” which could no longer keep up. ” Today, she turned to a company located in the Vosges.
“We have had other approaches with prices sometimes defying all competition, in the wrong sense of the word! “, Outraged the communications director:” Doubtful emails sent by intermediaries. They offered masks to more than € 4 the unit. “Bruno Sapin also notes this suspicious canvassing:” A supposed supplier offered us, at the height of the crisis, 100,000 masks. Out of curiosity, we continued the exchange to find out more. It stopped when the said company asked us for the payment of 50% to order, which is completely against the custom of communities. “
Soaring prices also and above all affect surgical masks. ” There is still 6 months , it cost 25 cents the unit, says the magistrate. Today it starts at 60, 70 cents and it can even go far beyond, to € 1.25. People do business on it. ” On this, unhappiness, another relentless mechanism of the harsh law of the market …
–
Lorprotec: “Manufacturing plants are overbooked”
“Basically, we are a small structure of two employees,” recognizes Marine Vivarelli. A small structure that has become, since the beginning of the crisis, a key player on the Moselle scene for the delivery of fabric masks. Lorprotec, a specialist in personal protective equipment located in Hagondange, fully assumes its role as a wholesaler.
The company notably provides the interface between Portes de France-Thionville and the manufacturers of these precious masks. Rather “the” manufacturer of the moment, “a French company which makes, in our eyes, the most efficient masks, ensures the manager. They have all the certifications for category 1 masks, recommended for numerous contacts; and categories 2, sufficient when you are in the presence of the same people. “
“We are waiting for the first arrivals week 20, at the time of deconfinement,” predicts the manager. Good news for the municipalities of the Thionville agglomeration. On the other hand, the undecided who will only order in the next few days will have to wait: “Even today, communities have expressed needs for May 11. It’s impossible, the factories are overbooked. They will only be delivered week 24. ”Or the second week of… June.
–
–
