Q&A With … Dave Toland, KS Department of Commerce

Dave Toland is the Kansas Secretary of Commerce.

Q. We’ve heard about national, and international issues with the supply chain. How is KS specifically impacted and are there any differences?

A. Factory production disruptions due to COVID-19 related shutdowns have occurred worldwide and have impacted the scheduled flows of products into US supply chains. Kansas is no different. Some have been able to avoid immediate disruptions due to draw downs of stock in inventories. Much of that has now been depleted, and spot shortages are now being felt more acutely. Some Kansas companies expect that these shortages will continue to impact them for the remainder of the year. Others hope that, as more businesses return to production, they will see a faster pickup in their own business operations.

Q. What have you seen regarding issues to the food supply in the state?

A. This has been a very nervous time for our food producers nationwide. Kansas is home to a wide array of food production and processing activities, and this accounts for a large percentage of the state’s economic activity. With the slowdown in food processing and value-added agriculture due to COVID-19, producers are getting creative in terms of finding ways to wholesale or sell at least a portion of their product direct to consumers. 

Q. What kinds of changes are you seeing regarding rail and truck transport?

A. Much of the disruption associated with COVID-19 has centered around restrictions to travel. Given the uncertainty around international air and sea freight, demand for rail and truck transportation will continue, and even grow, as more companies are getting back to regular levels of order fulfillment and delivery.

Q. How are distribution centers faring? Have they had issues running smoothly with social distancing?

A. Warehouses and distribution facilities have been quick to take steps to mitigate the spread within the workplace. Most have found ways to continue operations while complying with social distancing requirements and steps to keep their employees safe.