Open for business

A local business down the street from me has a large sign out front that says: “Nothing’s for sure that’s for sure…but we’re reopening June 15.” However, the date has been crossed out and underneath it states, “likely sometime in July.”

As businesses begin reopening, there are undoubtedly mixed feelings including skepticism and cautious optimism. Uncertainty is a powerful thing. Although there’s no playbook on dealing with a global pandemic in 2020, there are companies that have learned a thing or two since the government-mandated shutdowns. That’s because these companies never closed their doors.

Several fastener manufacturers and distributors, deemed essential, have remained operational despite the risks — and deserve full praise. Many have stepped up to the challenge, mass-producing parts to meet the demands for medical device components, such as for ventilators and hospital beds. Others have continued to supply critical components to the food, power, water, transportation, and other vital sectors.

Now, these companies are in an ideal position to share the tips and knowledge gained during the past few months. For example, fl exibility has been key for Meridian Adhesives Group, a U.S.-based holding company for adhesive manufacturers. This has meant creating a contingency plan for unexpected or unfortunate events. So, they’re now prepared for a temporary closure of their facilities without disruption — say, for environmental cleaning and disinfection — if this becomes necessary.

For Southco, a global designer and manufacturer of access hardware, ensuring at least two suppliers are available for every process has been important so they are never singlesourced or left without options for continued operation. “The planning ahead is what’s important here,” says the company.

Advance Components, an industrial fasteners master distributor, suggests investing in a risk-assessment plan. This is a strategic plan that ensures operation and a secure supply chain in the event of an emergency. “We initially foresaw this as planning for an accident… such as a storm, fi re, fraud, or theft,” shared the company president. “We didn’t foresee a global viral pandemic wreak havoc on everything. But fortunately, the solutions we put in place helped us be very prepared.”

For SPIROL, a global manufacturer of precision engineered components, maintaining positivity has been imperative: “We’ve been circulating success or feel-good stories every couple of days….it’s important employees know that while the world may be turned upside down, there are some great things that are happening every day, too!” Read the full interviews by clicking on the COVID-19 link at fastenerengineering.com. We wish you all great things despite the current uncertainties. Stay safe!

Michelle Froese