LANSING (Mar. 19, 2020) — Manufacturers yesterday took further bold action to combat the growing global crisis surrounding COVID-19, the coronavirus, continuing to lead the effort on supplying much-needed goods while working to stabilize the economy through jobs and production. The Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) announced efforts driven by communication and coordination with Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s administration to locate companies that can produce specific products, including personal protective equipment, to enhance the effectiveness of the health care system’s response.

“Our message to public officials is simple — allow manufacturers to help drive the solution,” said John Walsh, MMA president & CEO. “Governor Whitmer and her team recognize the critical nature and role manufacturing will have in moving the state forward in addressing this critical challenge and I want to thank them all for keeping us engaged, informed and part of the strategic effort to overcome COVID-19.”

The announcement comes the same day as Detroit automakers announced the temporary and precautionary closure of all facilities, until March 30, in order to do deep cleaning and to get plans in place for a return to production that incorporates best practices for preventing the spread of the virus.

“This extraordinary step is a clear example of how you, our members, and your peers in the industry are standing on the front lines in defense against a new threat affecting every individual, business and community in the world,” Walsh said in a message to his members.

Manufacturing’s priority now is to operate and drive solutions for combatting COVID-19 even as demand rises in hospitals for medical equipment, respirators and critical care technologies and among the general public for basic needs goods like toilet paper, bottled water, milk and personal protective equipment.

“I firmly believe continued operation of manufacturing will be the key to successfully addressing the challenges facing this state and nation, both in terms of public health and safety as well as ensuring a strong economy,” Walsh explained.

The MMA is available for further comment on COVID-19 and the manufacturing industry’s response to the global pandemic. For more information, contact Delaney McKinley, MMA senior director of government affairs and membership, at 517-487-8530 or mckinley@mimfg.org.

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Contact Delaney McKinley

Vice President of Membership, Marketing & Events
Call 517-487-8530
E-mail mckinley@mimfg.org