As COVID-19 takes a nasty charge against the U.S., many companies in the manufacturing realm have been forced or encouraged to temporarily close operations. For Epoxy Technology, Inc. (ETI), located in Billerica, Massachusetts, the opposite is true. Employees have rallied to continue production of adhesives and epoxies used on the frontlines of treating COVID-19 patients.
ETI is considered “Critical Infrastructure” and falls under the “Chemical Manufacturing” sector as defined by the Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). According to CISA, companies that are part of this sector “are considered so vital to the United States that their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on security, national economic security, national public health or safety, or any combination thereof.”
Because of this, ETI remains open and committed to providing clients with essential products during this crisis. ETI products are a critical part of the manufacturing of mobile x-ray and ultrasound equipment, patient monitors, infrared thermometers, and most importantly during the COVID-19 outbreak – ventilators.
“In the face of COVID-19, the work we are doing is part of the solution,” said Daniel Pelton, CEO of ETI’s parent company Meridian Adhesives Group. “I know our ETI team is working diligently to fulfill client requests. We don’t always think of manufacturing and shipping products expeditiously as saving lives, but that is absolutely what’s happening right now around the world.”
It is not business as usual, however, as ETI has enforced rigorous safety precautions to ensure the wellbeing of its employees, their families and customers. ETI is closely following CDC guidelines, while Meridian Adhesives Group, has also implemented additional steps to prevent potential spread. This includes the following measures:
- Social distancing is enforced through staggered breaks to keep the CDC-recommended 6-ft. distance and to have fewer personnel congregated in one space.
- Routine internal meetings are now done via phone rather than in-person.
- Sales staff are utilizing phone and video conferencing to continue meeting and serving clients.
- ETI personnel, in addition to those required by PPE, are wearing gloves and masks for enhanced protection while minimizing any hand-to-hand contact.
- Frequent cleaning and disinfecting are also taking place to remove potential threats.
Like many companies, ETI has contingency plans in place to address the unfortunate event an employee comes to work with COVID-19. The plant is prepared for a temporary closure for environmental cleaning and disinfection. ETI is also working proactively with individuals who may fall into an at-risk category to ensure their wellbeing.
Being considered an essential business, ETI will continue operating to ensure clients receive the products they need for the health of the economy, and more importantly, the healing of COVID-19 victims. During this crisis, ETI is proud to be one of many manufacturing plants around the world on the frontlines fighting to ensure healthcare heroes have the tools they need to eradicate this virus.
