QAD : Manufacturers Adapt to Protect Frontline Workers Against COVID-19

Whew…2020 is behind us. That means itallgets easier now, right?

Not exactly. But in truth, it wasn't all bad. Challenging times often highlight the best in people. We found stories from around the globe of companies that rolled up their sleeves and found ways to support their communities in crisis. Some automotive manufacturers adapted their lines to manufacture ventilators. Beverage companies found a way to adjust their process for making alcoholic beverages and pivot to the manufacturing of hand sanitizer supply. Countless other companies (and individuals too!) developed a way to shift their manufacturing processes to fill the need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) much needed by our front line workers around the world to protect against COVID-19.

Adapting Manufacturing Operations to Produce PPE

We're proud to say that many companies who stepped up to help their communities are QAD customers. So, let's take a look back at some of those amazing stories from 2020.

Amtico

In the early days of the pandemic, UK-based luxury flooring manufacturerAmticorealized they couldsupport effortsfor local front line medical workers. Soon after, they teamed up with a local school to make and distribute protective face shields. QAD CMO Carter Lloyds spoke with Amtico CEO Jonathan Duck about the experience.



GHSP

QAD customer and global supplier in the automotive, high-end appliance and innovative technology industries,GHSP launched it's new line of grēnlite UV-C productsfor emergency vehicles.GHSPhas a long history of adapting to disruption in the industry and continues to leverage their innovative manufacturing practices into new markets. Carter Lloyds also had the opportunity to speak with GHSP about how they approach disruption as an opportunity not just a challenge.



Other QAD Customers

We saw a handful of other QAD customers stepping up to help their communities in 2020. In an overwhelming response to the pandemic, manufacturers and suppliers across multiple industries took it upon themselves to refocus their production efforts, oftentimes at no cost to hospitals and treatment centers.

Mexican automotive component manufacturerMetalsa collaborated with other Mexican-based manufacturersto develop ventilator parts for the region.

Jewelry designerKendra Scott worked with local communitiesto sew and distribute masks to area hospitals and medical clinics.

Swedish automotive manufacturer of side-curtain airbagsAutoliv used their facility and machineryto produce material for hospital gowns.

Australian beverage manufacturerBickford's adapted their Beenleigh manufacturing facilitiesto produce hand sanitizer.

And now, asa vaccine is being rolled outaround the world, we're excited to hear thatLiomont SAin Mexico has been selected as one of the companies to produce the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. QAD Senior Vice President of Latin America Eugenio Riveroll spoke with Laboratorios Liomont Financial Director Manuel de Narvaez recently about the experience.

Looking Ahead

As we look forward to 2021 with hope and optimism, it's important to also remember the positives from last year. We witnessed resiliency and adaptability to the fullest extent. We saw people (and companies) seize the opportunity to do the right thing for their communities. These are values that QAD strives to uphold and we're proud to say that these are the characteristics of our customers too. We thank you all for shedding light on what is truly possible when manufacturers come together in a time of need and fight to protect those putting their lives on the line.