Kickstart: Keeping in (remote) touch with customers

Perhaps the only thing we know about doing business just now is that manufacturers in key industries need to know they won't run into any hiccups during production.

Also, a lot of people you may turn to when there are problems aren't in the office.

So companies such as Beaumont Technology Inc. are using the internet to both make sure its people are available when needed, but also keep everyone safe.

"We understand that many of our customers work in life- and health-critical industries, and we are doing everything we can to stay ahead of the situation and avoid any potential disruptions to your operations," Beaumont wrote on a new web page dedicated to COVID-19.

For now, Beaumont says it is limiting visitors to its site, increasing sanitation and asking those who can work at home to do so. It says all of its moldflow analysis experts have what they need to work remotely.

"All projects are running on schedule. If any delays do occur due to unforeseen circumstances including delivery driver availability or area closures, we will do our best to keep you notified."

With the coronavirus pandemic spreading, companies are taking on new work.

In China, where COVID-19 was first detected, many manufacturers changed production lines from auto or electronic parts to making face masks. In the United Kingdom, the government has asked automakers to potentially make respirator parts (although I can't quite picture how an engine plant would convert itself into clean room manufacturing for medical parts — even assuming the FDA would waive some regulations for production).

In an editorial posted on TheHill.com, Center for Automotive Research CEO Carla Bailo and Kristin Dziczek, CAR's vice president of industry, labor and economics, argued that the auto industry should tap into its World War II status as the "arsenal of democracy," but now for medical supplies.

"Manufacturers should think about ways they can partner to produce the things the medical community needs desperately right now — masks, personal protective equipment, sanitizing agents," they wrote.

Are any plastics companies hearing more about making different products or supplying new industries? Feel free to reach out if you're one of those companies joining the new arsenal.

Speaking of getting into new business, don't be surprised if your local distillery (there are a lot out there, if you haven't looked lately) begins offering free hand sanitizer.

Since hand sanitizer is made of 60 percent alcohol, distilleries have started mixing some of their raw material, typically with something like aloe vera, and offering it to residents for free.

One Atlanta distillery was offering 95 percent alcohol mixes.

The hitch?

They're not geared up to provide small bottles more typical with Purell.

"We've got some smaller 8-ounce bottles that we've packaged it in but we're also suggesting that people can bring small containers," Rob Cleveland, Ann Arbor Distilling Co. managing director, told MLive.com.

We're hearing from a few plastics molders who are being approached and asked if they make sanitizer-size bottles, so there's definitely new demand out there for packaging.