States and cities across the country have put stay-at-home orders in place to encourage physical distancing and slow the spread of COVID-19. Through most of these lockdowns, “essential businesses” have been allowed to remain open based on criteria that varies by state and municipality. The facilities of several promotional products industry companies have fallen under the “essential” classification for a variety of reasons, including their distribution services and role in the supply chain of medical equipment and other products.
Supplier alphabroder announced this week that it received approval from the Pennsylvania governor to re-open its Harrisburg distribution center as an essential business. The supplier will continue to observe increased hygiene and social distancing protocols, as the Harrisburg team and facility come back online.
In conjunction with the re-opening of the Harrisburg facility, alphabroder has temporarily closed its Middleboro, Massachusetts, distribution center, effective today. The company says that this was a difficult decision, but Harrisburg has a wider coverage area and assortment than its Middleboro facility and makes the most sense from both an employee safety and business standpoint. Norm Hullinger, CEO of alphabroder, says, “Our mission remains as strong as ever—to serve and support you in any way we can. We will provide information on the re-opening of Middleboro as we receive it. In the meantime, Harrisburg is up and running and ready to serve.”
Supplier Showdown Displays, in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, has also been named an essential business. The company has begun producing medical gowns, protective screens and masks. Its intention is to provide these supplies to local medical facilities to assist in their preparedness.
Suppliers and distributors are encouraged to use PPAI’s new status page to post and view updates and status reports regarding supplier company’s operations.
