COVID-19 Resources for Manufacturers in Michigan

Starting March 24, Governor Whitmer ordered all Michiganders to stay home and suspend all non-essential activities. As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to spread rapidly, it’s unclear when activities will begin to return to normal. With manufacturing operations across Michigan and the nation disrupted or even halted, what can manufacturers do right now to protect and advance their businesses?

We recently published a blog that discussed ways companies can prepare ahead of time for business catastrophes such as this. But what can companies do now when disaster has already struck?

BUSINESS RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO MANUFACTURERS
Recognizing the importance of manufacturing to Michigan’s economy and vitality, the state is dedicated to supporting manufacturers during this uncertain time. A number of helpful resources have already been made available to manufacturers and small businesses through state and federal programs, including:

• Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC) Virtual Procurement Assistance to provide suppliers of critical health and human services with a free, online way to access suppliers and products as they respond to the outbreak.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan to help businesses recover from declared disasters.

CONNECT WITH CRITICAL MEDICAL DEVICE SUPPLIERS STATE-WIDE
During this time of crisis, many manufacturers have either ramped up existing production of medical device supplies or completely shifted focus to begin making the supplies needed most, such as face masks and ventilators. To provide a way to easily connect with suppliers based on capability and product offering, The Center has developed a Message Board to share information about all the companies currently producing personal protective equipment in Michigan. Additionally, to donate these critical products to the national effort, companies can fill out this survey with details about their product capabilities and supply to maximize their contribution.

HOW TO CONTINUE CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT DURING COVID-19
For manufacturers with different types of products and capabilities, there are still ways they can work to support their businesses as operations are partially or totally shut down. To position their companies for success once business returns to normal, manufacturers can use this time to focus on making necessary improvements and changes in their strategies and processes.

The Center’s experts are available to support these initiatives through targeted consulting and training in the areas of Quality System Maintenance, Standard Work Processes, Project Management, Supplier Scouting, Problem Solving and many more. To provide manufacturers with a way to continue their workforce training without putting their health or safety at risk, The Center also is now offering free Distance Learning modules to introduce participants to select training courses at The Center.

SUPPORTING THE PRESENT & FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING
Manufacturers are facing a challenging, unpredictable time unlike ever before as the world continues to adapt to the impacts of COVID-19, but they don’t need to face these challenges alone. With support from state and federal governments and targeted guidance from The Center, companies can receive the assistance they need to sustain manufacturing through this outbreak and beyond.

Learn more about how The Center can support your business here.
 

Since 1991, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center has assisted Michigan’s small and medium-sized businesses to successfully compete and grow. Through personalized services designed to meet the needs of clients, we develop more effective business leaders, drive product and process innovation, promote company-wide operational excellence and foster creative strategies for business growth and greater profitability. Find us at www.the-center.org.