CIRAS Acts as Resource to Iowa Manufacturing Firms During COVID-19

The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) at Iowa State University is a tremendous resource to Iowa manufacturing firms. This is evident today more than ever.

Manufacturing Challenges During COVID-19

In a recent virtual meeting focusing on supply chain disruptions, Mike O’Donnell, director of the manufacturing extension partnership (MEP) at CIRAS, discussed the challenges manufacturers are facing during COVID-19. Mike shared results of a recent survey of Iowa manufacturers that showed a majority of the firms are still operating at or near capacity and they have plans in place to stay in business over the next 30 days.

Manufacturing Operations Management Best Practices

Mike highlighted operations management best practices for COVID-19 such as cleaning, maintain separation on the factory floor, staggering start and shift times and modifying breaks/lunches. Firms that are experiencing supply chain disruptions can reach out to Mike and others at CIRAS for help. In addition to assisting on supply chain issues, CIRAS personnel can provide guidance on financing needs, restoring revenue, retooling, HR support and online education. Any manufacturing firms needing help are asked to contact the CIRAS hotline at ciras.info@iastate.edu.

Find more CIRAS resources for dealing with COVID-19 here.

Watch the entire virtual event here:

 

You can count on The Partnership to continue to share accurate and fact-based updates as well. See more on COVID-19 here.

Find these tips useful? Find more business tools and information by visiting the Business Resources page.