ALPHARETTA, GA., 5/18/20 – Metcam, a metro Atlanta-based fabricator of sheet metal components and assemblies for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), detailed its approach to maintaining support of essential businesses during the pandemic while protecting personnel. In Next Generation Manufacturing’s “Manufacturers Share: Navigating Today & Preparing for the Next Phase” webinar, Co-Owner and President Bruce Hagenau shared his expert thoughts on how the 2018 Georgia Manufacturer of the Year is adjusting to present operational challenges brought on by the coronavirus.

“Metcam services a number of OEMs that are essential so we are considered essential operations,” Hagenau told the more than 400 participants joining the late April thought leadership discussion. “We’ve been operating the entire time without a break. With that, we’re really tackling the safety practices and procedures pretty hard, including the use of face masks, hand-washing, plant cleanliness and more.”

Being an essential business during these unprecedented times further underscores the importance of protecting a company’s essential resource — its people. Safety measures Metcam has implemented include:

• Social distancing, including the placement of tape marks on the shop floor to signal the minimum safe space required between employees
• Disinfectant bottles and refill stations throughout the plant
• Flexible staffing and reduced personnel traffic, including teleworking for office personnel and limited meetings

Metcam has also purchased non-contact thermometers for employees showing viral symptoms and added lotion to its soap dispensers so it takes employees longer to wash their hands. Short-term goals include moving to 100 percent washable N95 face masks.

Whether leveraging the latest manufacturing innovations or pursuing Kaizen, the principle of continuous improvement, Metcam remains steadfastly committed to being an efficient, responsive company. In the long run, this belief system and lean operational structure maximizes success as well as readiness and adaptability during industry downturns.

“The idea that a challenge is an opportunity for progress is one that I really embrace,” said Hagenau. “Everyone is dealing with the adversity of this pandemic, and our commitment to continuous improvement and greater efficiency is designed to operate through both thick and thin.”

>> FOR MORE read Fabricating & Metalworking’s “Manufacturer of the Year Outlines Company’s COVID-19 Response.”