2020 was a strange year for manufacturers. Sales on many things collapsed and Covid-19 made the situation difficult for employees sometimes working in close proximity, like in a warehouse or on an assembly line.
With some added precautionary measures and employee commitment however, employees were able to come back. For those companies in the personal protective equipment (PPE) business (protective clothing, helmets, gloves, goggles, face masks among others), it turned out to be quite a good year. Some of them have always made the normally niche products and others were able to switch over and create a new line of products.
“While this last year has taken a toll on everyone, it’s been remarkable to see the way Georgia companies have adapted to fill a need,” said Scott McMurray, GDEcD deputy commissioner for Global Commerce. “From companies that have completely shifted their business models to startups that were created entirely in response to COVID-19, the manufacturers in our state have done their part to fight the pandemic while contributing to business in Georgia, and our state government has been responsive to their needs.”
The Georgia Department of Economic Development is celebrating this group of Georgia Made™-certified manufacturers that were integral in producing PPE or other health care supplies to combat the pandemic. Four PPE makers were newly certified as Georgia Made: Commercial Stainless Fabricators (CSF) in Marietta, Luosh USA in Marietta, Morito Scovill Americas in Clarkesville and America Knits in Swainsboro.
“The early months of the pandemic were scary, but we had the workforce and engineering to pivot to something people needed right away, so we were able to bring back most of our furloughed workers,” says Kim Eger, senior vice president of CSF. “There’s a greater awareness of indoor air quality, and we’re ramping up to meet the demand. These products are right in line with our historic focus on hygiene and sustainability. Our employees are proud they can contribute to the fight against COVID-19.”
The GDEcD has compiled a map of all the Covid-19 suppliers across the state, totaling 359 companies in more than 100 cities spread across the state. The legislature and governor passed a tax credit in response to the increased demand for PPE that rewarded job creation for manufacturers amidst the crush of the pandemic. For those companies eligible, manufacturers can claim an additional $1,250 in job tax credits per job per year for five years. Only those jobs dedicated to manufacturing PPE or hand sanitizer qualify, and if the facility ceases to manufacture PPE or hand sanitizer, the company can no longer claim the credits.
“Our relationships with our Georgia businesses have never been stronger,” added McMurray. “I want to thank these companies for their response and our Georgia Center of Innovation for their work to connect with them to keep business moving and Georgia stocked with needed health care supplies through their innovative COVID-19 Suppliers Interactive List and Map.”
