by Brianna Crandall — May 4, 2020 — The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) has established an industry-specific webpage for COVID-19 Resources in an effort to support and assist in this crisis. The page includes a section on how manufacturers can help; a few of the many who are producing medical supplies and equipment are highlighted below.
BIFMA’s COVID-19 Resources page
The COVID-19 Resources page offers the latest information on the coronavirus pandemic from sources such as the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), government agencies, healthcare experts, and legal firms, with continuous updates. As new resources become available, they will be added and are welcomed from all of BIFMA’s partners.
The “NAM State Resources” section provides up-to-date information on state and local declarations and their impact on manufacturing operations and facilities.
The “360° Speakers on the Crisis” section includes weekly postings from BIFMA 360° Speakers who have offered their thinking about the crisis.
The “You Can Help” section provides information on how manufacturers can help address the shortage of supplies and medical equipment to treat COVID-19 patients. There is much that can be done to address this global threat on both a personal and professional level. BIFMA hopes to be a resource for directing efforts in recognition that everyone has a role to play and that this industry of innovators and creatives is rising to the challenge.
How manufacturers are helping
FMLink sponsor Teknion is 3D-printing surgical mask ear reliefs and door opener/elevator button pressers, and has been converting manufacturing space to assemble isolation gowns, as well as to prepare fabric to be sent to other companies that will also assemble isolation gowns. (See Teknion’s FMLink page for FM-focused products.)
Teknion has been converting manufacturing space to assemble isolation gowns, as well as to prepare fabric to be sent to other companies that will also assemble isolation gowns. Photo courtesy Teknion
FMLink sponsor Spec Furniture remains operational as an essential service and continues to provide healthcare furniture.
Other manufacturers such as Steelcase, Knoll and Herman Miller and many others are sewing or manufacturing face masks, face shields, social screens, healthcare furniture and other medical supplies and equipment, as well as furnishings for remote workers and guidance for equipping safe workplaces as employees return to work.
Visit BIFMA’s COVID-19 Resources page on the group’s website for updates.
