Last week, for the first time since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, states began selectively lifting imposed stay-at-home orders for certain nonessential businesses. The plunging economic impact of the orders has successfully flattened the curve of coronavirus infections but wreaked havoc on the national economy. Georgia allowed barbers and tattoo parlors to reopen Friday.
Other states announced reopening procedures would begin around the second week of May. Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York, the hardest-hit state for the virus, said one could “make the case” for reopening regions of the state by May 15.
Guidance for Small Suppliers and Supply Chains In Peril
IndustryWeek supply chain advisor Paul Ericksen responds to two recent IndustryWeek contributed pieces about the unique challenges faced by small suppliers during the coronavirus. Read the full story here.
Peter Fretty, IndustryWeek technology editor, spoke to supply chain experts on diagnosing the problem with modern supply chains and what manufacturers need to know to adapt. Read the full story here.
The coronavirus outbreak has seen a spate of unscrupulous resellers and distributors engaging in fraudulent trade and price gouging. IndustryWeek contributors Kendra Berardi and Edward Heath give advice to suppliers considering changing their prices during the coronavirus outbreak and how to avoid running afoul of pricing regulations. Read the full story here.
Technology’s Role in Fighting the Virus
A new material developed by ExOne and researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a reusable, metal filter that could allow for the production of face masks that effectively filter for the virus and can be cleaned and re-used, eliminating waste. The coronavirus caused an unexpected spike in demand for respirators and other face masks. Read the full story here.
Manufacturers Receive Grant for Emergency Ventilator Funding
FuzeHub, New York’s statewide Manufacturing Extension Partner, announced the winners of its COVID-19 Manufacturing Grants Initiative. Precision Valve & Automation, Spiro Devices, Environmental Composites, and General Composites will each receive a cut of a $300,000 fund dedicated to boosting ventilator production in New York State. Read the full story here.