Sometimes it's hard to see the forest for all the trees. Times like these do have some silver linings and make us appreciate businesses, people, things, and times we may have unintentionally taken for granted.
During the month of March, we celebrated more than 31 amazingly successful Richmond County women for Women's History on our social media outlets. Not that we were not already in awe and appreciation of these ladies, but making an intentional focus helps us all be more mindful, reflective, and expressive of our gratitude. Just as our daily posts channeled positive energy of appreciation for the ladies, we now want to shift focus and make the same effort for one of the core pillars to our community's foundation and sustenance: Richmond County industries.
Although the state-wide stay-at-home order is in place, essential employees — such as those in industries that are working tirelessly to create, manufacture, and produce essential items to support relief efforts for this crisis — are still marching on to come the rescue of us all in Richmond County, North Carolina, the United States, and the entire world. Over the next few weeks, we will be spotlighting our local industries as they have bravely and quickly responded in the face of this global threat.
For more than 40 years, Burlington has been in the medical business manufacturing fabrics for use in operating theaters such as surgeon’s gowns, isolation gowns, sterilization wrapper packs, drapes, scrubs, and lab coats. Burlington’s local leader, Ed Cox, is very proud of how their industry and employees have responded to the crisis.
Their production of barrier fabrics has always been an essential service, but more so than ever during the current pandemic. The barrier fabrics provide a shield for the skin from blood, pathogens, and other transferable threats. Their Barrier Fabrics division has increased production of its Maxima Medical Barrier collection in response to the recent COVID-19 outbreak. In fact, Burlington Barrier is the world leader in the development, evaluation, testing, and service of next-generation products for the microelectronics, pharmaceutical, paint spray, food/beverage, and nuclear industries.
Manufactured in the Cordova area of Richmond County, these barrier fabrics are being used all over the world by medical supply companies to make gowns, masks, and other protective medical wear. Prior to COVID-19, the local industry ran about 40 machines for the production of the barrier fabrics. Since the onset, they have paused production of other apparels, and are running 98 machines for producing the barrier fabrics. Additionally, they have shifted from five days per week to operating seven days, all the while taking the highest level of precaution and prevention to protect their vital employees.
The preceding information was adapted from the Medical Barrier Fabrics tab on the Burlington Fabrics website (www.burlingtonfabrics.com). The following quotes have also been copied from the site:
“Our commitment to the protection of our first responders and healthcare professionals is our top priority during this global crisis,” says Allen Smith, president of Burlington, Safety Components & A&E Americas. “We have increased production of our Maxima Medical Barrier fabrics and are partnering with organizations across the industry to supply those on the front lines with the personal protective equipment needed to keep them safe amidst this outbreak. We appreciate the commitment and dedication of our workforce in Burlington plants in the USA and China to supply these fabrics to support the global fight against COVID-19.”
Nelson Bebo, vice president of Sales added, “Our traditional apparel supply chain is shifting to realign manufacturing capabilities to help meet the critical demands of our medical professionals on the front lines. We have reallocated resources to support the evolving industry landscape and provide Maxima products to key retail, brand and governmental partners.”
In closing, let us all rally to virtually appreciate, honor, and support all essential workers. We are all becoming increasingly more aware of the impact of these vital employees who truly sustain our life force, especially in tragic times such as these. Today, we give a special spotlight to Burlington Industry and their diligent local leader, Ed Cox, for the critical global impact they are making in response to Covid-19.
Meghann Lambeth is director of the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority. She is writing a series on how local industries are contributing to the COVID-19 effort, which will also be published at the Richmond Observer. You can read the original post here.
