Clippard in Cincinnati is proving its worth as an essential business during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it expects to see more personnel hired to meet the growing demand for its critical components and subassemblies for ventilators, diagnostic equipment, and other critical care devices to help fight the Coronavirus. “We are honored and committed to being part of the solution in any way we can,” said Bill Clippard, President.
Because Clippard is working with about 12 ventilator companies right now, including half that are existing customers with the other half being manufacturers new to the game, the company is ramping up production and employment.
“Right now, we’ve got about 50 people lined up to hire in the next two weeks and that may be as high as 75, said Robert S. Clippard, CFPPS, Chief Marketing Officer. “This is strictly on the manufacturing side, assembling. This says a lot about our capacity and how scalable we are in our procedures and how we ramp up.”
Across the first quarter of 2020, Clippard has maintained a 98% on-time delivery to all customers, and as order demands are increasing daily, itis adding staff, work cells and additional support personnel to assure all customers receive a high level of service as they manage the “Covid-Response” requests.
Clippard is working with many major names that are currently driving the news about ventilator production in the United States, both domestically and globally, he said.
As for social distancing during this ramp-up, Clippard noted that most of the manufacturing and assembly cells are already at least a 6-ft distance apart, so the company hasn’t had to make too many changes in that regard. They have also staggered lunches and breaks so the break rooms are not inundated, and have done simple things like propping doors open to reduce door handle touches. They have also increased the frequency of their regular maintenance teams’ work in cleaning and washing. Finally, Clippard has purchased 10,000 masks from its facility in China, which may be used mandatorily as more personnel come on board, he said.
Clippard said that about 70% of its engineering teams and about 70% of office support staff are now working remotely, with some application engineers and product floor engineers still helping out at the company’s two Cincinnati plants.
“We are following all of the CDC guidelines, but this just really is a testament to our flexibility and the capability of our response to our customer’s needs. Our absentee rate is less than 10%,” Clippard noted. “We’re encouraging people to be smart and use good judgement.”
Clippard concluded by saying you can walk out on plant floor and see the work orders being fulfilled for this national response. “We’re just doing what we’re supposed to do and we’re humbled to be a part of such a great American effort to save lives. It is a blessing and an honor to be a critical component supplier to this market and we will continue to do whatever it takes to stay ahead of these companies,” Clippard said. “It’s our company credo. We put people first.”
Clippard
www.clippard.com
Clippard’s official press release and statement about its COVID-19 response can be seen below:
As expedites and new requests are coming in, Clippard is proud of their staff’s willingness and dedication to do their part. They are impressed with their supply chain network and their ability to step up their team’s efforts to meet demand. They also appreciate the government’s efforts to streamline the processes and support business in this time of crisis. And Clippard continues to fully support their customers as they always have through these tough times.
Internally, Clippard continues to prioritize employee health as they increase their capacity and staffing levels. They are adhering to the CDC guidelines and maintaining a clean environment with appropriate social distancing throughout the facilities in both Cincinnati and Fairfield, Ohio. Ultimately, it is an individual’s habits and decisions that not only keep themselves safe and healthy, but also those around them.
“Clippard is truly blessed to have a team of such dedicated employees that support and respect each other,” said Rob Clippard. More information on internal standards can be found here.
Filed Under: Hack the crisis: Engineering through COVID-19
