LaFrance Corp Philanthropic Crisis Response Helps Frontline Workers Stay Safe
Since 1946, LaFrance has weathered many storms from recessions to international conflicts and everything in-between. In some ways we felt like we’ve seen it all. However, in early 2020 an unprecedented pandemic began as Covid-19 spread around the world. As with anything so global in scale, the natural inclination is to ask loads of questions that no one can really answer: What does this mean for me, my family, my country, my job? Will I get sick? When will it go away? What will the world look like when this all ends?
Things are no longer “normal” as the world shifts on its axis. People are suffering through no fault of their own and lives are being altered in incredibly unexpected ways. The sacrifices being made by frontline workers to battle this virus is unlike anything the world has ever seen. Healthcare workers, first responders, fire fighters, police officers, truck drivers, delivery personnel, and grocery store workers put themselves in harm’s way on a daily basis to save lives and provide a sense of calm during such a tumultuous time. They do all of this oftentimes without the appropriate equipment to ensure their own safety.
As a manufacturer of millions of name plates, trim, and functional components per year, LaFrance has the ability to produce large volumes of product on a daily basis. In February 2020, we suddenly found ourselves no longer producing our normal quantities because our customers weren’t ordering due to factory closures, drop in demand from consumers, and countless other reasons. As a company rooted in enriching the communities around us, we knew we had to do something so we sprang into action.
Using some of our manufacturing capacity, we designed and began producing custom face shields. We knew if we could make them, someone could use them. We’ve distributed shields to our extended LaFrance family members who work in the healthcare field as well as donated to local hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, and police communities in the suburban Philadelphia area. In the grand scheme of things, we know this isn’t much, but if we’re able to ease the anxiety of healthcare workers and other first responders even a little bit, then we know we’re doing something right.
As a company, we’ve always prided ourselves on being proactive and innovative. Using our facilities to manufacture products that are much needed is something we are honored to do. We offer our heartfelt thanks to all extended LaFrance family members who are working so hard in the face of such difficulties and to the millions of people around the world doing all they can to keep us safe and eradicate this virus. You are the real heroes!
If you’re interested in learning more about our face shields and how they can help protect your employees, contact us for a quote at info@lafrancecorp.com and check out our video.
Leave Comment