The PLMish world steps up to support Ukraine
A number of design, engineering, and PLM companies are helping to up the pressure on Russia to cease fire in Ukraine, each in their own way and in keeping with their country’s stated positions. Below is some of what’s been made public; many other companies are also changing the way they do business in Russia but are not being as public about it — perhaps because of staff considerations.
What we know so far:
Autodesk issued a statement that says, in part,
Autodesk is suspending our business in Russia immediately and continuing to comply fully with all sanctions currently in place. We’ll consider further limits to our business in the region should sanctions expand, and as the situation develops … This week, the Autodesk Foundation committed financial support to address Ukraine-specific relief efforts. Funds will go towards the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross) and UNHCR (United Nations High Commission for Refugees). In addition, we will provide a 2:1 match for every donation Autodesk employees make during the month of March to one of five organizations focused on the humanitarian and refugee crisis unfolding in and around Ukraine:
Earlier this week, I wrote about ESI’s comments to investors:
[ESI CEO Cristel] de Rouvray told investors that… “Life is complicated — we’re committed to taking care of all who are in our perimeter. In the face of Russian aggression, we take a moment to reiterate this — our thoughts go to team members who have family in Ukraine; we hope for their safety. [ESI has no employees in Ukrain.] And we send support to ESI’s 7 employees in Russia, and to our partners there. [As for the business,] abiding by international norms [sanctions, and other restrictions] is the minimum we will do. We are alert and proactive in a fast-changing global situation”.
PTC said that it
stands with the Ukrainian people and condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. In response to this unprovoked invasion, which continues to result in unnecessary loss of life and has forced so many Ukrainians to flee their homes and seek safety, PTC will discontinue all business operations and sales in Russia. At this critical moment, the human impact of this tragedy needs to be front and center. PTC, through its foundation, will donate $1 million to support humanitarian efforts for the Ukrainian people. PTC joins all those around the world calling for peace and the fastest possible end to this conflict.
According to the Financial Times, Siemens AG has suspended its business in Russia, becoming the largest German company to sever ties with the country following its invasion of Ukraine. According to a statement by Siemens,
We strongly oppose the invasion of Ukraine and stand with the international community in calling for peace. We are very concerned for our colleagues and their loved ones in Ukraine and are doing all we can to help them, and are humbled by their bravery. At the same time, we have kick-started support for humanitarian aid with a €1 million donation to the Red Cross and will match donations from our people. We fully support all sanctions. To this end, all new business in and international deliveries to Russia are on hold while we evaluate the full implication of all sanctions. Our heartfelt thoughts go to our colleagues, their friends and families who are affected.
It’s been a lousy week. These statements and actions alone won’t end the fighting but help me believe that most people are inherently good. And these companies are not alone — CBS News has a massive list of aerospace, automotive, tech, consumer goods, and other companies that have pulled out of Russia. I’m pretty sure these lists will only grow.
If you’re still looking for a way to help, I continue to be so impressed by the work of World Central Kitchen. You can learn more and donate here.
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List of 3D printing firms and publications also stopping work with Russia:
https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/the-additive-manufacturing-industry-supports-the-security-and-foreign-policy-course-of-the-german-federal-government-european-union-and-nato-205472/
Thanks, Ralph!