As of April 15, there are over 1,991,561 confirmed cases of coronavirus worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Cases have been detected in most countries worldwide and community spread is being detected in a growing number of places.
 
The coronavirus pandemic is a crisis for individuals and businesses. On March 9, the Dow fell 7.79% to 23,851.02 points, the Dow’s worst single-day drop point in US market history. Next, on March 12, the Dow fell 2,352.60 points to close at 21,200.62. Then, on March 16, the Dow hit a new record. It lost 2,997.10 points to close at 20,188.52—a plummet of 12.93%. Meanwhile, nearly 200 publicly-traded companies have warned investors of the threat posed by the pandemic.
 
The good news is that COVID-19 has stabilized in China, but health officials warn that things will get worse before they get better in much of the rest of world.
 
Here’s a look at what Beauty Industry Suppliers are doing to reduce the spread of coronavirus and how the pandemic will impact business:

(Last updated May 13)
 
iTiT Cosmetics
 
On March 2, iTiT Cosmetics, headquartered in Italy, cleared up some confusion for its customers who were raising concerns over Made in Italy products, due to the coronavirus outbreak.

ITiT's Mirko Panico, CEO/founder, along with Raquel Melgarejo Antequera, technical director/ founder, issued a statement to its customers. 

Panico and Antequera said business is not affected, since the company's factories are not located in Italy's "Red Zone"—and production is running smoothly.

"Our factories are not located in the areas where outbreaks of the coronavirus have been identified, so we are not affected by any ordinance to suspend activities," the statement explained. 

iTiT also wanted to spread the word that the virus causes a respiratory disease that cannot be transmitted through packaged products, or its cosmetic products, which are manufactured in full compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).         

The company emphasizes good hygiene among employees, and has strict rules in place, along with daily controls regarding machinery. "Respecting the GMP means producing in a controlled way, in order to ensure that the product meets the requirements of identity, purity, effectiveness and safety," the statement read. 

Arkay Packaging
 
In a recent statement regarding the coronavirus crisis, Arkay Packaging emphasized that its concerns for its employees and its commitment to continue providing exceptional service to its business partners remains at the forefront of all operations.
 
“Arkay is taking numerous actions and precautionary measures as vital safeguard measures, including engaging the services of MD Medical Navigators, a company that is providing invaluable—and crucial—assistance to Arkay with health initiatives and strategies, on-demand consultation, monitoring individual health crises, coordination with the Arkay HR team and MD referrals,” read the message from March 9.
 
Arkay’s Hauppauge studio is open and, although New York City is closed, employees are working remotely and available. Arkay’s Roanoke facility is open and fully functional with careful monitoring during this ever-changing solution.

Staeger Clear Packaging
 
In a statement from March 7, Staeger Clear Packaging announced that it has started producing face visors for the National Health Service (NHS). The company has developed a design that is made from British PET with 70% British food approved post-consumer waste. It is relatively inexpensive, easy to use and recyclable or disposable. Staeger’s capacity is approximately 100,000 per week, but the company says this could be expanded. Allstate Paper Box recently partnered with Staeger, and is an exclusive agent for Staeger in North America.

NastriTex
 
Italian supplier NastriTex issued a statement on March 9 assuring customers that it was complying with every governmental measure, as the health and safety of its employees is its number one priority.
 
According to the statement from CEO Rosa Sarasini, new provisions ensure the free movement of goods both within the Italian terrirtory and those entering or leaving national borders. Therefore, the delivery of orders is guaranteed in accordance with what has been arranged.
 
The company also stressed the following key points: The company’s whole supply chain is constantly monitored and under continuous observation; the company has a large variety of raw material stock for its clients as a way of precaution; all the goods leaving Italian territory respect all health and safety requirements; transports are guaranteed and operate regularly; and all the key members of the company’s staff whose customers are usually in touch with as well as all of the employees of the company are fully active.
 
“You will be kept informed of any potential development with transparency and accountability because you are important to us,” said Sarasini.
 
Qosina
 
On March 18, Qosina Corp president and CEO Scott Herskovitz released a statement to customers regarding COVID-19 and the actions the company is taking to handle this unprecedented situation.
 
“As always, we are committed to serving our customers, while at the same time ensuring the health and wellness of our employees. With the incredible speed at which things are changing around us, we are continually adapting our operations and business,” Herskovitz stated.
 
According to the statement, Qosina established a COVID-19 task force several weeks ago. It has since put the following precautionary measures into action:
 
Qosina’s crisis management team has developed an emergency plan to ensure that the company’s mission critical functions are up and running so that it may continue to provide customers with service. Customer service, sales and supplier teams remain active, even in the event of a forced closure. The crisis management team meets regularly to monitor the situation, and modify and communicate the plan as the need arises. Once the COVID-19 crisis has passed, the team will work on transitioning Qosina back to normal operations.
 
Qosina is actively monitoring its global supplier network and freight lanes to identify any risks of business interruption. It conducts daily internal meetings to review and discuss the ever-evolving situation surrounding COVID-19 and is working closely with its larger customers to identify unforeseen changes in demand.
 
Additionally, the vendor relations team communicates with the company’s suppliers several times a week. Currently, all of our suppliers are operating on normal schedules. Qosina is also operating on regular delivery schedules, but depending on the location and any directives from local authorities and the United States government, the situation could change very rapidly.
 
Qosina has halted business travel for its employees and restricted onsite visits to its facility. It has phone and videoconferencing tools at the ready to conduct virtual meetings.
 
Qosina has also begun implementing occupancy and social distancing guidelines as recommended by the CDC, and tested its secure remote access systems and technology infrastructure to adjust working arrangements for its employees. It has encouraged its staff to work from home to the greatest extent possible. Herskovitz says the company can remain operational with a remote staff.
 
Finally, Qosina’s cleaning service is regularly performing a deep cleaning and disinfecting of all common areas. It has also supplied all employees with cleaning kits to frequently disinfect their workstations.

On April 6, Qosina donated much-needed supplies to local hospitals and healthcare systems.
 
Included in the donation were:
 

• Masks and gloves to Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, New York.
• Shoe covers and gloves to Brookdale Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.
• Shoe covers and gloves to Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, New York.

 
The donated goods to Brookdale and NUMC will be further distributed within their healthcare systems to a total of five hospital centers and three nursing homes.
 
“The fight against COVID-19 is an unprecedented crisis. The least we could do was donate supplies to help protect healthcare workers who are risking their lives being on the front lines each and every day,” said Sari Sternschein, vice president of marketing for Qosmedix. 

Lombardi Design & Manufacturing
 
On March 20, Lombardi Design & Manufacturing president, Carl M. Lombardi, issued a statement regarding the coronavirus and how the crisis is affecting business.
 
According to the statement, the company was required by mandatory order of the Governor of the State of New York to close its manufacturing facility and its corporate office in Freeport.
 
More than 95% of Lombardi’s office staff has been and will continue to work remotely. The company will continue to monitor and manage all aspects of the operation and supply chain.
 
Lombardi’s manufacturing facility in Ronkonkoma will remain functional as it is an essential manufacturing site supporting the medical industry, and its factories in China are open and are currently at 90% capacity.
 
“These are difficult times. Be sure that we will continue to monitor the situation carefully and adjust as required. We will do everything we can to support your needs while we are shut down and be prepared to reopen as soon as we are allowed,” commented Lombardi.

Madeline Blondman & Co. Inc
 
As of Friday, March 20, 2020, Madeline Blondman & Co.’s sales office in New York, at the direction of the governor, is closed. The company is continuing to monitor all emails, and it will respond as quickly as possible. However, its manufacturing plant, which is in Maryland, is still open. Also, the company’s factory produces other items that are deemed essential, so it is permitted to remain open. Should something change that Madeline Blondman cannot anticipate, the factory could close. Obviously, this is a very fluid situation, and is changing minute by minute.
 
Aside from manufacturing, the company’s supply chain remains intact. It sources all material exclusively in the US, so it stocks many materials, and others should be available fairly quickly as needed. The company is trying to stay on top of the situation and mitigate disaster as best as it can.
 
“Hopefully, these drastic measures will decrease the duration of the pain and consequences. If there are further changes, I will update you at that time. We remain committed to our customers, and to being here to answer questions as they arise.  We are all in this together, and we will get to the other side,” said a statement from the company.

APC Packaging
 
On March 23, Lisa Lin, CEO of APC Packaging, issued a letter outlining the supplier’s response to the coronavirus crisis.
 
“As information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) leads the news, we understand that everyone is looking to see how it impacts themselves and their business.  APC Packaging will continue to be here to support you,” stated Lin.
 
According to the letter, APC has taken proactive measures to ensure that its employees and its clients are protected by following the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
 
Employees, when their position permits, are allowed to work remotely from home. When working in the office, employees’ workspaces have been separated and all meetings are virtual to minimize interaction and exposure.
 
For stock items, the company says there has been no impact on lead times. Stock items continue to ship within 48 hours from the Ft. Lauderdale, Florida warehouse. The manufacturing plant in China is up and running at full capacity and APC will continue to receive shipments regularly. The company have been in contact with the ports, and while they have reduced their schedule, they have assured APC that it will not impact the company’s shipments. For custom products, APC has been meeting all deadlines and do not foresee any issues in the future.
 
For all orders, APC secures its sourcing materials ahead of time. Its custom order sourcing has already been allotted and the virus will have no impact on securing the materials. APC has been able to continue to fulfill orders quickly, and has agreements in place, should the need arise, to purchase additional materials for any orders.
 
APC says it has a committee to review the disaster recovery plans, which examines all possible issues from hurricane to disease and how APC can plan to ensure its clients are not impacted. APC has explored all avenues that will enable staff to immediately continue the business from alternate locations. In addition, APC has discussed alternate shipping companies and ports of entry.
 
“We want our clients to feel secure that APC is doing everything reasonable to warrant the trust placed in us,” added Lin.

Allta International
 
To address the coronavirus crisis, Allta International is now producing and supplying USA N95 Face Masks.
 
On March 23, CEO David Berkman said, “The demand and need for these is through the roof and we are honored to be able to help the world in any way we can while we continue to fight this invisible enemy. We are looking to supply the states directly, or hospitals or any companies that need these masks for the protection for their workers. We are blessed to be able to pivot to this type of production while the world economy is on hold…”

Qosmedix
 
On March 24, Qosmedix shared an update about its status amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
 
The company has been deemed an “essential business.” Therefore, it is fully staffed in its warehouse and shipping orders regularly. Qosmedix is taking precaution to ensure it is implementing best practices as recommended by the CDC for proper hygiene and safe social distancing.
 
The company’s office staff has transitioned to a work from home situation, and is available during regular business hours.
 
Unsurprisingly, the company has received a huge influx of orders for disinfecting and hygiene supplies including Alcohol, Purell, Barbicide and Lysol. As it replenishes these supplies, Qosmedix will be sure to inform customers. It also still has many stock pump & spray bottles available for packaging hand sanitizer and alcohol.
 
“This is a difficult situation for all of us and I firmly believe that we will get through this and come out even stronger on the other side,” said Paul Morris, president of Qosmedix.

On April 28, Qosmedix announced that it became an authorized distributor of several new hand sanitizer brands in an effort to fulfill the vital need of these products across the country. Included in the lineup are BodyOne, GiGi, Fantasia, Zoono, Kleantouch, Clere and Medyskin.
 
In an effort to support store re-openings, additional brands, hand sanitizing stations, liquid soaps and other necessary cleaning supplies will be added in the upcoming months.

Allstate Paper Box Company
 
According to a statement from March 24, Allstate Paper Box Company is closely following the recommendations of the CDC, WHO and other public healthcare entities to minimize the risk of transmission and protect the health and well-being of our employees, clients and visitors.
 
As a supplier of pharmaceutical packaging, Allstate has been deemed as essential in the war against COVID-19. Therefore, it will continue to service its customer’s packaging needs. Its office has the technology to work remotely and the company is equipped to seamlessly serve customers with the same care and effectiveness that it has always shown.
 
Allstate’s factory is currently running at normal capacity and it will continue to do so unless something changes that increases the risk to our employees. The company is placing employees further apart on the factory floor and stressing good handwashing techniques. It is also telling workers that they must not to come to work if they feel ill.
 
“We understand that this is a particularly trying time for all of our customers and vendors as they face new and difficult challenges, both human and financial. As we have been for over 50 years, we are available to help you to ensure your supply chain continuity,” commented Matthew Elias, owner of Allstate Paper Box Company.

Quadpack
 
On March 25, a COVID-19 dashboard went live on the website of international beauty packaging manufacturer and provider Quadpack, to help keep stakeholders informed of the effects of the virus on the company’s global operations.
 
This dashboard displays real-time information about the status of Quadpack’s factories in Europe and those of its supply partners in other parts of the world, as well as other information regarding support, shipping and logistics.
 
The company says it is maintaining operations without significant delays. In Asia, business is starting to return to normal. In Europe and the US, the majority of office staff are working from home, supported by secure, cloud-based, collaborative systems. The manufacturing facilities in Spain and Germany are running at up to 80 percent of capacity. Factory workers are taking special safety measures such as body temperature checks, maintaining distance and disinfecting machinery between shifts, while following the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO).
 
“This is an unprecedented situation. Like everyone else, our priority is the health and safety of our people and all those with whom we live and work,” said Quadpack CEO Tim Eaves. “At the same time, we are working along with our fellow stakeholders in the beauty industry to minimize the effects of the pandemic—and transparency is vital. The new dashboard is one small but important way in which we are keeping the lines of communication open.”

Coverpla
 
On March 26, Coverpla announced it has put in place a crisis process allowing it to continue its activity for the coming weeks.
 
The company has decided to continue the activity of its workshops in Nice in order to honor the majority of its orders. Thanks to its collection of bottles, pumps and caps immediately available, Coverpla is able to maintain its overall offer on small and medium series custom-made at the local level. Its multiple partnerships with European glassmakers also allow the company to maintain the production of certain lines of bottles.
 
Also, a custom internal organization was set up in agreement with all the company's employees in the respect of their safety. In line with the Covid-19's control and distance guidelines, the working teams have been redefined, workshop schedules modified and spaces organized to respect the distances between each individual. Commercial and administrative teams remain operational remotely and eventually in reduced activity.
 
"Through this management of the health crisis, we hope to continue our activity with our customers, but not at any price. Without accepting any compromise on the safety of our employees and their families, these provisions could evolve over time," explained Bruno Diepois, president of Coverpla.

Coverpla

As of April 13, the team at Coverpla Inc in NJ is operating full time, using all precautions necessary to follow the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Coverpla's factory is operating and working carefully with its warehouse in NJ to ship product out. 
 
Coverpla says it feels very lucky to be able to continue service to its customers thanks to the large New Jersey inventory that it holds—and its partnerships with local decorators. Please feel free to contact the company at any time for info regarding components for fine fragrance and skincare.

Pro-Motion Industries
 
Pro-Motion Industries expects no interruptions in its production and in its ability to service its customers, according to a statement from March 26.
 
The company has implemented more regular cleaning procedures in its facility, and will continue to monitor the health of its staff daily to ensure it is doing its part in helping to prevent the spread of the virus. All non-production employees have been asked to work from home, and Pro-Motion is restricting site visits until further notice.

Lumson
 
“We are living through difficult days, both from the human and work-related point of view. Faced with a situation that is this serious and unexpected, a powerful but invisible enemy like the one we’re fighting, we have to call upon our sense of responsibility and awareness of who we are, our DNA and our history. There will be difficult days but I’m sure that with the contribution of everyone, we’ll be able to make it through.”
 
This is what Matteo Moretti, president of Lumson wrote in a heartfelt letter to his staff a few days ago. The company that, from the very beginning of the emergency, had adopted all possible measures to prevent the spread of the virus: the use of PPE, sanitization of the workplace, temperature checks, reorganization of shifts and non-essential departments to guarantee the maintenance of safe distances, the use of “smart working” (working from home), and videoconferences. It also supplied all members of staff with guidelines on behaviors to limit spread which were based on those outlined by the Minister of Health and in recent days, has increased safety for workers by activating extra insurance coverage and arranging for the arrival of 40,000 new, high-protection masks. In addition, as a precaution, Lumson closed their location in Ticengo due to its proximity to the “red zone” despite there not being any cases reported there. Safety comes first.
 
Without any fanfare, but with a strong sense of determination, Lumson donated 2,000 protective suits to Crema’s main hospital (Ospedale Maggiore di Crema) and supplied masks and medical scrubs to civil protection services. Lumson provided packaging options that met regulations and instructions given by the World Health Organization (WHO) to hand-sanitizing gel manufacturers so they could produce and distribute sanitizing gels to doctors, nurses and healthcare workers.
 
“The Decree announced on March 22nd put a stop to traditional manufacturing and since March 25th, only production lines dedicated to gel sanitizers have been operative. We’ve repurposed some of our manufacturing processes in order to try and meet the growing demand for this type of bottle. To continue to manufacture was a choice made based on a desire to give back, as much as possible, to those who put their lives at risk each and every day to fight in this emergency (doctors, nurses, the police force…) and it was a way to protect hundreds of jobs. The role of a business, in fact, is to take initiative to support the area in which it is based. I chose not to stop and I’m grateful to those that believe in this choice,” commented Matteo Moretti. 
 
Speaking about the future, Moretti said: “It’s unknown. No one knows what will happen after this tsunami passes and how buying habits will change. One thing is certain: this crisis (which is a global crisis, not only one in Lombardy) will bring about changes both in preventative behaviors and in the way in which products are chosen and some of these precautions will become standard protocol in the future. Many companies are already moving in this direction and are preparing post-Covid19 scenarios. Difficult days await, we have to be ready. The ‘Cura Italia’ Decree certainly has some positive aspects but they are not enough to solve a large part of the problems that our businesses are experiencing.”

QRS
 
During this unprecedented and difficult time, the team at QRS is operating full force, each safely at home.  The company has virtual meetings each day, often multiple times a day, reviewing the needs of its customers. Its factories are operating and the team is working carefully with their logistics partners to move product around the world. 
 
“We are fortunate to have this ability and to be able to continue to supply those of our customers who are producing hand soaps and sanitizers along with other personal care, fine fragrance and home fragrance items,” the company said in a statement on April 2.

Premi Beauty Industries
 
The Premi Beauty Industries team continues to be operational and to guarantee its normal activity, offering service to its customers. After the latest government regulations, the company has activated all health and safety protocols with the aim to protect its employees.
Also, all departments have been reorganized in an efficient way, encouraging smart working.
 
“We are grateful to all our employees for the work they are doing, especially to all those who continue to work in the production and logistics departments,” said a statement from the company. “We also want to express our sincere thanks to the Premi team for the way they have reacted to the difficult situation our country is facing. We are a young and dynamic company and we have promptly adapted to the situation, also thanks to the support of all our suppliers.”

Albéa
 
Albéa is working alongside customers such as L’Oréal, LVMH, GSK, P&G, Sanofi, Unilever, Bayer, Chemineau, Faberlic, Crystal Cosmetics and many others, to adapt its production to provide essential goods and daily hygiene products.
 
In Europe, Albéa’s Vandières, Argonne and Lubna facilities are producing millions of tubes for hydro-alcoholic gel while the Lacrost plant is manufacturing lotion pumps for hand sanitizers.
 
The company’s tube and pump sites in the US, India, Brazil and Indonesia are also contributing to customers’ initiatives for national solidarity.
 
Since the start of the covid-19 crisis, Albéa has been rolling out all protective and preventive measures recommended by experts across its industrial sites—working closely with its personnel to constantly improve the way they work, often going beyond common standards and local requirements.
 
“Albéa’s top priority is to ensure the health and safety of our employees, their families, and our business partners, while maintaining the continuity of our activities and thus supporting the economy of the countries and regions where we operate,” said the company in a statement.

Groninger USA
 
Groninger’s US and global operations continue without any issues. According to the company, national and international supply chains are intact and its pre-existing business continuity preparedness plans are in full force. Its workforce is safe and protected by a number of strict measures.
 
In order to support upgrades, preventative maintenance/training and to assist with the start-up of new activities like sanitizer filling, Groninger USA is now offering weekend service at reduced rates. Experienced field service technicians and engineers, remote service and the parts support team are all available on weekends at rates that are 50% lower.

Berry Global Group Inc.
 
Berry Global Group Inc. provided a business update on April 6, given the unprecedented and evolving effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
 
“As we continue to prioritize the health and well-being of the communities we serve as well as our employees and their families, we want to thank our entire team for their dedication and commitment in continuing to work seamlessly with our business partners to ensure these key supply chains remain uninterrupted and operational,” the company stated.
 
Berry believes that its underlying long-term demand fundamentals will remain intact as it continues its focus on delivering protective solutions that enhance consumer safety. These fundamentals have been demonstrated with preliminary results for its second fiscal quarter ending March 29, 2020, being in-line with expectations including modest positive organic volume growth on a year-over-year basis and sequential improvement in the legacy RPC business. The company maintains a strong liquidity position with over $900 million of cash at the end of the quarter as well as an undrawn $850 million asset-based line of credit at quarter end. In addition, Berry has no financial maintenance covenants and no near-term debt maturities. The company will provide further detail on its specific results in its upcoming earnings conference call.
 
The update also states, “Although many don’t realize the crucial role plastics play in infection prevention and protecting us from the spread of disease and contamination, we are proud to be a part of this fight and are privileged to support the growing need for many of our products as communities across the globe encounter this pandemic.”

On April 16, Berry announced strategic initiatives to increase production of facemask materials. The initiatives include designating additional capacity for the production of face mask materials in North America and introducing a new material for face masks in Europe.
 
With demand outpacing current supply for face mask filter media, the product development team at Berry has responded by delivering innovative solutions in a matter of weeks to support the demand. These solutions include pivoting existing manufacturing assets and creating alternative materials for face masks.

PakLab
 
PakLab is manufacturing products in both of its locations that play a direct role in the safety and security of its communities. More specifically, the company is helping to meet the demand for sanitizing products. Its Batavia facility is a vital partner and supplier of personal, industrial and medical grade wipes. Some of PakLab’s key partners and customers supply wipes for respirators that protect from carcinogens being introduced into the lungs.
 
PakLab is dedicated to the continuous production of alcohol-based sanitizing gels, sprays and wipes at various concentrations for direct to consumer and institutional use. PakLab also makes alcohol-free cleansers in spray, foaming and disposable towelette packages that are CDC recommended for personal and surface cleaning use.
 
“We have always been driven by a conscientious societal purpose. Now more than ever, we wanted to thank those in our community who are on the front line of the fight against COVID-19, and to let all of the communities that make up the Paklab Community know that we are going to do our part,” said Peter Belinsky, PakLab president.

Sheencolor Group
 
As of April 13, Sheencolor Group is in full production in its overseas facility. Its US teams are available to support quote requests, sample requests, formula development and any Turnkey/Contract manufacturing or packaging needs to help brands keep a fully active supply chain.
 
During these challenging times Sheencolor remain a committed supplier to support brands’ immediate needs. Contact the company at development@sheencolorusa.com with any projects in need of a transition to an operational supplier, or in need of any additional support.

Innoac
 
Woodbridge INOAC Technical Products (WITP), a 50/50 joint venture partnership between Woodbridge and Inoac Corp., is in the process of converting its manufacturing facilities in Chattanooga, TN., Kitchener, Ontario and Woodbridge, Ontario to make face masks.
 
WITP will be ramping up these sites to produce more than one million face masks per week to help increase access to protective gear for healthcare workers and others battling the spread of COVID-19 at hospitals and other facilities. WITP is also exploring options to increase production in support of Mexico.
 
The Province of Ontario has placed an initial order of 15 million face masks. In the U.S., the face masks will be made available to local hospitals and other industries. Throughout the development process, WITP has been in direct contact with the Canadian and Ontario governments as well as US Federal and State officials, task forces, several major hospital systems and other municipalities and organizations.
 
To start production of the face masks, WITP is closely following public health guidance and will enforce government and local guidelines for sanitation and social distancing on-site at all facilities to protect teammates. In addition, WITP is also working on other initiatives to support the global COVID-19 pandemic such as face shields and hospital beds.
 
"These are challenging times that are impacting us all," said Mike Simpson, president and general manager, Woodbridge INOAC Technical Products. "We are extremely grateful to the medical personnel at the frontlines who are fighting the pandemic, and we are honored to do our part and to produce face masks that are needed. I also want to thank all our dedicated teammates who are working urgently to make this possible."

Klocke of America
 
Klocke continues to operate its facility while following the CDC’s guidelines, and remains committed to the health and safety of its employees and to serving its customers and the industry.
 
The company has been encouraging its team members to reach out to their families, colleagues, friends and customers to “just talk.” Klocke encourages everyone to do the same, as it says we need to support each other now.
 
“These are unprecedented times and a reminder that our products, services and people serve as essential resources for several markets. We want to assure you that we are here for you,” stated the company on April 13.

Paragon Packaging

Paragon Packaging is doing okay and has been operating with a smaller crew. The plant has remained operational as it supplies medical devices and FEMA kits. As of April 16, Paragon is running regularly, with a significant amount of extra precaution.

ProSys Servo Filling Systems
 
During these unprecedented times the demand for alcohol-based sanitizing products is leaving most store shelves depleted of product.
 
ProSys is dedicated to assisting companies fill the overwhelming need of supplying hand sanitizer to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. With over 35 years of experience filling flammable products, ProSys has the knowledge and expertise to meet the strict requirements of filling alcohol-based sanitizing products.
 
ProSys is working closely with tube manufacturers to supply tubes and filling systems to help quickly restock the depleted supply brought on by the current crisis.
 
“Our filling systems are US-made with in-house parts manufacturing. We are designated as an essential manufacturer and are prepared and ready to provide the North America sales, service and support required to quickly fill this desperate need,” said Donald Sonntag, ProSys division manager.

JSN Packaging Products
 
JSN is running full out and into weekends – producing tubes and their closures for products needed to fight COVID-19. They’re responding to immediate needs for personal size sanitizing, cleansing & therapeutic packaging. New tube equipment just received has been rapidly “productionized" to help fill this new demand, allowing JSN to meet the challenge while maintaining their loyal customers’ needed tube supply.   
 
JSN says they are a nimble company, which is an advantage in this crisis. More important, their personnel have been eager to participate in the fight against COVID-19. They have been amazing with 100% participation from all manufacturing -- ready to pitch in and do their share. As a company, overall "JSN is doing their part with extraordinary  measures to keep JSN’s environment safe for all of us."  
 
All JSN’s employees share in the company's pride in providing packaging products for this health crisis, but also in keeping a part of the economy going. JSN says their “American Owned – American Made”  slogan  is most meaningful and relevant in the midst of this emergency, and they "are gratified to see on-shoring trends back to domestic suppliers."
 
They wish to thank their loyal customers for working so closely with them—and say their first concern remains maintaining your tube supply to protect individual requirements during this unprecedented upheaval. They wish everyone to Stay Safe and let them know if JSN can be of assistance.

Overnight Labels
 
While some businesses have slowed down, as of April 20, Overnight Labels’ presses have been running non-stop during the current Covid-19 crisis. Because its materials are sourced in the US, the label manufacturer has been able to help many companies experiencing supply chain issues or production increases. It is also supporting some of its current health and beauty clients who are now producing new items like hand sanitizer.
 
“While we are taking all of the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe, we are also printing millions of labels for our customers in the supplement, household, food, beverage, pet and personal care industries,” said Don Earl, president of Overnight Labels. “It's been challenging, but we are getting through it thanks to our amazing employees, clients and suppliers. They are all working hard to produce essential products for the entire country.”

Golden Arrow
 
Jason Sullivan, associate VP of sales and marketing at Golden Arrow sent a brief message on April 22 to say that the company is thinking of all during these difficult times and is very appreciative of its relationships in the industry. He said Golden Arrow looks forward to the stabilization of this pandemic and in reconnecting with each of you soon. “Until that day comes and from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your support and encourage you all to look out for one another. When it’s all said and done, life is about being as healthy as we can in order to enjoy all that the world offers,” said Sullivan.

JP Packaging
 
At a time when coming together to do the right thing has never been more important, JP Packaging, a family-owned and operated contract filling and packaging company for the personal care and cosmetic industries, is pitching in to make level two, blue, triple-pleated surgical masks available to cosmetic packaging industry businesses in need.
 
After having already taken care of its own employees’ safety and well-being, the company donated masks to local hospitals and first responders, and sold additional masks to its own customers and suppliers for a nominal cost. With additional masks still available, on April 23, the company announced it is offering its supply to help support industry needs.
 
“We know how difficult these masks are to get and we know how challenging it is for our industry to get back up and running,” said Doug Rofheart, senior sales executive. “We’re not in the mask business but we want to do something to help.”

HLP Klearfold
 
HLP Klearfold, a wholly-owned North American subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Hip Lik Packaging Products, is producing much-needed face shields, which are crucial in stopping the spread of the coronavirus. 

Since the Covid-19 crisis started, HLP Klearfold has quickly become a significant producer of single-use face shields.

The face shields are used by healthcare workers on the frontlines, as well as essential service providers, such as those in foodservice. The company has already supplied tens-of-millions to government and medical agencies in Asia, Europe, and North America.

Steve Frazier, president, HLP Klearfold, said, "We applaud the manufacturing community’s efforts to reallocate resources to produce PPE to help protect our frontline healthcare and other workers. HLP Klearfold leadership in the clear plastic packaging market has made us uniquely qualified to produce face shields."
 
Frazier continued, "Our production facility is the largest facility of its kind in the world. We have the capacity to make approximately 1 million printed plastic folding cartons per day but, in light of the need for more PPE, we’ve dedicated much of our focus and manufacturing resources to producing face shields, and we are able to manufacture nearly 600,000 per day.”

Rohrer

In the midst of the coronavirus crisis, Rohrer is taking action to assuage employee fears, and build morale and positivity at work.
 
Earlier this year, Rohrer launched a COVID-19 Response Team. The team implemented risk mitigation strategies, including travel restrictions, sanitation policies and encouraging virtual meetings. By mid-March, Rohrer provided systems for more than 20% of the staff to work from home. They also increased safety protocols through strict social distancing policies, extended sick time limits and temperature screenings at the start of every shift. Reusable masks were provided for all on-site employees well before states like Illinois issued a mandate.
 
The new protocols help keep employees safe, but the company believes that any successful wellness program should also include mental health. Therefore, Steve Wirrig, Rohrer’s CEO, started working with his team to design a strategy to promote morale and positivity for all employee partners.
  
“Although our teams are separated anywhere from six feet to many miles, we set a goal to bring people together in a supportive and uplifting way.” Wirrig launched “Good News Mondays” as a way to help employees get excited to come to work every week. The company deliver “Good News” through weekly emails and on digital message boards in the facilities.
 
In the first few weeks, on-site employees received premium wage increases; Rohrer added a paid holiday to the calendar for everyone; and the biggest incentive yet was Rohrer’s employee raffle. Rohrer gave away more than $50,000 in prizes, including gaming systems, and gift cards for restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores.
 
In the fourth week of “Good News Mondays,” Rohrer Corporation looked outwards towards the local communities. Each employee had the opportunity to vote for a local charity that helps people affected by COVID-19.

The Penthouse Group
 
During the early phase of Covid-19, The Penthouse Group says it spent time shoring up its existing business, and is now preparing for business re-openings as states allow. Steven Ostrower, president of the family-owned and run company, says it has leveraged its relationships overseas, enabling it to secure “basic PPE that will be required for business re-openings.”
 
Ostrower says Penthouse’s PPE is produced by FDA registered factories in China with testing documents, and says, “To support our valued business partners in their re-openings we are offering these items at affordable pricing in whole master cartons.” He adds: “Quantity on hand fluctuates as we are receiving/shipping these goods on a regular basis.”
 
Those who need any of these supplies, should contact The Penthouse Group with quantities and due date. “We will work with you to meet your requirements,” says Ostrower.
 
In addition, The Penthouse Group is manufacturing custom “face and neck” coverings. It can also supply IR thermometers, face shields and other PPE as requested.

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