Knock On Wood

I have two bosses (Mark and Dave), and it happened that both of them are on week-long holidays this week.

When one of them wrote to ask me how things were going, I jokingly replied....

On 7 Apr 2010, at 12:48,

Hi Mark

I don't know what it is, but as soon as you and Dave went on holiday, everything started to run like clockwork. Kasen is even asking to deliver things early!!! [Kasen is our Chinese supplier that has been weeks behind schedule since the end of last year]

Just kidding - wish that was the truth. There are a few issues here and there, but nothing that can't wait until you're back. Until then, enjoy your break.

Cheers,

Joe
Sent via BlackBerry® from AIS


Moments later I received the following email from the Sales Director of our Chinese supplier.


----- Original Message -----
From: rick
Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 2010 1:04 PM
Subject: Big Fire in Hainix


Dear Joe,

There is a big fire occurred just few hours ago in Hainix,fortunately no person get hurt but our finished products warehouse got burned and lots of the containers become ashes right now.

We are still waiting for the result of the investigation running in the plant and I'm afraid that the only thing I can share with you all is,only finished products warehouse got burned and no person got hurt.

Under such certain circumstance,I have to report to all the customers that some of the your orders will be delayed for 4 weeks period while some of them will be delayed a little bit longer.We will do everything we can to be back on track in 30 days,any understanding and cooperation for this issue would be greatly appreciated.

Your specific assinged key contact in our plant will keep you update and share more information with you if possible.

Regards


Rick
One of our designers happened to be there and took these pictures.

Altogether about 115 containers worth of leather sofas burnt to the ground, and needless to say, things are no longer running like clockwork.