Updated: On March 18, we launched a survey on plasticsnews.com to get an idea of how businesses are being affected by COVID-19.
As of March 23, our survey respondents are see more changes. One custom injection molders is shutting down 2 of its 4 facilities, one in Pennsylvania and one in Indiana. As Ohio ordered residents to stay at home and nonessential business to close, this week we expect to see strong leadership keeping the outlook positive.
Our readers want to keep hearing from everyone, so take the survey often as things change.
Enhanced cleaning efforts, increased orders and volumes are the top mentions. Businesses are working hard to increase personal space, some utilizing split shifts and rearranging equipment.
A few have reported fewer sales in some sectors and so far only one said it was preparing to shut down.
But while most responders still see prospects as positive, at 53 percent, or neutral, 29 percent, the number of those expecting a negative outcome is growing, now at 18 percent.
Gobbling up all the news, I've seen many reports of life returning to normal in China. Now on the otherside of the crisis, one worker in Wuhan posted on LinkedIn, that boredom was the worst part of being housebound. Reporting on the news is keeping Plastics News on its toes and humdrum days at bay.
Some of the comments we've received:
• Customers are grateful medical suppliers are still producing.
• Social distancing with diligent hygiene practices are in place.
• Dealing with state and local governments is challenging.
Keep an eye on these charts, we will update them as we hear from more readers.
Please return to take the survey again, as things change, we want to hear from you.