Alabama automakers adopt COVID-19 safety measures as production ramps up
Alabama automakers have been ramping up production following the COVID-19 outbreak, with strict new protocols in place to prevent the spread of the virus. Toyota, Honda, Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz all are implementing similar measures as employees return to work, including temperature checks, staggered shifts, frequent sanitizing and additional protective gear. The restart of operations at…
5 ways Alabama is making a difference in the battle against COVID-19
The coronavirus crisis has brought unimagined challenges, but businesses across Alabama have answered the call to help health care workers and their communities through these difficult times. Alabama businesses, from large-scale manufacturers to small family-owned enterprises, have shown a willingness to go the extra mile to provide assistance during this unprecedented public health emergency. As…
Partnership to 3-D print face shields grows into network delivering impact
An impromptu mission to produce much-needed protective equipment for Alabama health care workers started with two 3-D printers in a home workshop running around the clock. It’s grown into a coordinated network of partners that includes motivated volunteers, three local high schools and companies wanting to help. This informal partnership has produced and delivered more…
BAMA task force targets PPE production for COVID-19 crisis and beyond
Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield says the state’s business community has stepped up during the COVID-19 pandemic by shifting output to produce badly needed personal protective equipment and medical gear for health care workers and ordinary citizens. While most of these moves have been temporary, Secretary Canfield glimpses a potential opening for Alabama to become…
Alabama PPE-maker Eastern Technologies ramps up in COVID-19 battle
A company in Alabama’s Wiregrass region is helping to fight the COVID-19 pandemic across the U.S. and in hard-hit regions around the world. Ashford-based Eastern Technologies Inc., a manufacturer of personal protective equipment serving a wide range of industries, provided coveralls that were used by hospitals and response groups in the early stages of the…
Alabama researchers energize efforts to aid search for COVID-19 therapies
Alabama’s bioscience researchers and organizations have mobilized to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to advance urgent work that could lead to new treatments and vaccines. This includes Birmingham-based TriAltus Bioscience LLC, which developed protein purification technology to support research into a new COVID-19 vaccine under development at the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute in Portland,…
Mercedes resumes production in Alabama with new safety measures
VANCE, Alabama – Mercedes-Benz is beginning to gradually ramp up production at its Alabama manufacturing plant after adopting robust safety measures to protect workers amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI), as its Alabama operation is known, said operations began Monday with one shift. In coming weeks, the plant will be staffed with additional…
After shift to face masks, Cullman’s HomTex makes long-term PPE plans
CULLMAN, Alabama – In less than a month, HomTex Inc., a manufacturer of bed linens and other items, has shifted its focus from traditional products to making cotton face masks for businesses and individuals coping with the threat of coronavirus. Today, the family owned company plans a major investment at its facilities in Cullman County…
For Calagaz Printing, it’s 153,000 protective face shields and counting
MOBILE, Alabama – A South Alabama printing company is helping frontline healthcare workers at home and across the U.S. fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Mobile-based Calagaz Printing Inc. had produced about 153,000 protective face shields as of Wednesday, the result of collaborating with local hospitals and shifting its operations to meet a crucial need. Production is…
Birmingham firm provides high-tech helping hand to companies in COVID-19 crisis
During the COVID-19 outbreak, many companies are wrestling with the challenges of travel bans and social distancing practices, but one Birmingham firm is offering a way to keep business operations going through mobile augmented reality technology. Help Lightning’s high-tech solution allows technicians to remotely guide on-site equipment repairs and perform other mission-critical tasks for customers…