COVID-19 crisis: How to keep your manufacturing business alive during a shutdown

Posted on: March 20, 2020

On March 22, 2020, the Ohio Department of Health and Governor Mike DeWine ordered all “non-essential” businesses in the state to shut down temporarily (link to Ohio’s Stay at Home Order). Many other states have mandated that certain businesses close in order to combat the spread of COVID-19. This not only disrupts business operations, but also the lives of the employees.

How do you continue to be responsive and provide value to customers when you are shut down? We offer you three ways to make it through uncertain times:

1. Outsource to meet customer deadlines.

Outsourcing lets you continue to deliver products to your customers without needing to cancel or postpone orders. You can have assurance that your project is being taken care of, is completed to your specification and is of high quality.

We at Cooper Enterprises are experts at providing manufacturing solutions to our customers, including panel lamination, CNC machining, edgebanding and assembly services. As of March 23, 2020, Cooper Enterprises is open (deemed “Essential Business”) and can help you with manufacturing and delivery. Feel free to contact us or request a quote.

2. Provide valuable content to stakeholders.

Creating content to help your customers is a way to stay in touch and maintain relationships. Perhaps you’ve seen fitness centers posting workout videos online while they are closed. Or theaters providing exclusive content on social media when they have to cancel performances.

This concept can expand to many types of businesses and go further than social media. Email and blogs are good ways to provide valuable content to audiences.

3. Utilize your local chamber of commerce and industry organizations.

Chambers of commerce are staying abreast of new developments and are providing many resources for local businesses. Other organizations are providing educational materials. A time of slowdown can give you an opportunity to learn new skills and ways of doing business.

During times of crisis, businesses will adapt. We’ve seen restaurants provide takeout and delivery for the first time. Companies are reevaluating remote work policies. When we all get through the uncertainty together, we will learn new ways of innovation.

We at Cooper Enterprises hope that you and your families stay safe and healthy during this uncertain time.

We are here to help!

Click here for Cooper Enterprises’ COVID-19 Statement.

Do you have any thoughts on the suggestions in this blog post, or any additional ideas? We’d love to hear your thoughts!


Cooper Enterprises, Inc. is a contract fabricator of wood and laminated components and complete assemblies. The panel processor serves many industries across the United States, including store fixture, commercial casework, office furniture, recreational product and industrial component markets.

Blog by Rachel Brumenschenkel, Marketing Specialist


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