After workers at Little Tikes Co. complained that the toy rotational molder was violating Ohio's order for nonessential business to close, the Summit County Health Department inspected Tikes' factory and determined it was essential — after finding the company is converting some production.
"We investigated multiple complaints," a health department spokeswoman said.
She said an inspection at the Hudson, Ohio, plant determined that Little Tikes is in compliance and can stay open. The company is reconfiguring some production to make components for medical devices such as ventilators and equipment for handicap accessibility, the health department said.
Officials for Little Tikes could not be reached for comment.
The health department spokeswoman said plant workers had complained about both the essential-business issue and basic health matters for preventing COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. But Tikes was approved on both areas. The company is meeting needed requirements for social distancing and cleanliness, she said.
Ohio health departments have the authority to order companies to temporarily close.
Little Tikes rotomolded toys like the Cozy Coupe are made in Ohio. Little Tikes is owned by MGA Entertainment Inc., the maker of the hot-selling toy L.O.L Surprise! and Bratz dolls. Isaac Larian, MGA's founder and CEO, told the Financial Times the pandemic will lead to a shortage of toys around the world.