METALfx supports businesses, community
As one of the largest employers in Willits, METALfx supports the local community in many ways, both directly and indirectly.
And, although the company has not been operating at full capacity since the COVID-19 breakout, those employees who are willing and able have been hard at work doing what METALfx does best — manufacturing metal parts for both domestic and international contracts.
METALfx President Henry Moss said one of the parts they make is used in a device that processes the COVID-19 test. He said that although the company operates silently in the background, even the local hospital, Adventist Health Howard Memorial, uses machines that contain parts made at METALfx.
And, just a couple weeks ago, METALfx fabricated 7,000 metal nose pieces for the Frank R. Howard Foundation coronavirus face mask drive. Additionally, the company recently purchased approximately $6,000 worth of gift certificates from local restaurants, which they in turn gifted to their employees in a “Survival Kit” along with face masks, a roll of toilet paper and other essentials.
When the Shelter- in
Place Order first came out in mid-March, Moss said the company immediately consulted with Adventist Health Howard Memorial hospital about how to keep their employees safe during the COVID-19 crisis.
They were advised to implement a protocol that included social distancing, face masks, and taking temperatures. “Social distancing wasn’t that hard for us,” said Moss referring to the large warehouse where the manufacturing takes place. “And, we started taking temperatures a week or two before we needed to.”
Moss estimates the company is operating at about 80-90 percent capacity due to some employees needing to stay home for various reasons. Regardless of the reduced production, he said the month of April has been surprisingly strong with booking new orders. “We’re being very optimistic,” said Moss. “Out of every disaster, there’s always new opportunities.” He admitted that the pandemic will negatively effect the economy as a whole, but he said, “We won’t know the long-term affects for a while.”
In the meantime, METALfx showed appreciation for their employees with a “Survival Kit” that included three different face masks (some locally-made), toilet paper, a gift certificate to one of six local restaurants, and other essential items. “We met in small groups and talked about the company,” said Moss. “We just tried to say ‘ Thank you’ to our employees.” In honoring the employees, METALfx also supported local businesses — Loose Caboose, Szechuan, Scoops Frozen Yogurt, Northspur Brewing, La Ciciliana and Taqueria Bravo — during this uncertain time.