When you think of essential business, what comes to mind? Health care, police, firefighter? No one ever says manufacturer. And yet, without this industry, the outcome of life-threatening illness would be devastating.
We Are Never Seen
Mechanical Drive Components (MDC), in Chicopee, MA is one such business. Westfield resident, Joe Giffune, owns and operates MDC which is a contract manufacturer of precision machined components. MDC provides products in diverse areas - medical device industrial equipment, aftermarket automotive and aerospace markets. According to Giffune, “We make parts that people never see.” One vital job - ventilator parts.
Before Covid-19
Last fall, MDC had 10-15 customers. It was operating two shifts, Five days a week. It was business as usual, and they had days off.
Ventilators R Us
Today you see a 7 day a week, staggered two shift operation with significant overtime. MDC is dedicated solely to the manufacture of ventilator components. Giffune states, “We used to make 100 parts a year and now we are making 2000 parts in 6 weeks.”
To keep ventilator parts flowing, Giffune has locked down the shop (no outsiders), does constant cleaning and has daily employee meetings. Covid-19 on-site could halt production.
Call the Cavalry
Long term business relationships with customers, vendors, accountants, lawyers, and especially the bank, was vital to getting help. With Massachusetts heading to essential business only, Joe doubled his line of credit. The day the Payroll Protection Plan became available, Giffune acted fast, “Friday the application was in and it was approved on Monday.”
The Future
Everyone wants to get back to normal. For MDC, that means diverse production. Giffune hopes “there will be pent up demand for the things we make, so we will be busy meeting demand”. And it will be great to have some time off.
Jennifer Giffune, R.D.N. is a freelance author, professional speaker, and nutrition counselor. And yes, she is married to Joe Giffune. Are you ready to make a change? Jennifer sees clients for nutrition counseling in Westfield. To make an appointment with Jennifer visit her website www.jenthedietitian.com.