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Precautions around the spread of COVID-19, or novel coronavirus, have led many businesses to shut down or adjust policies to keep employees and the community from interacting.
Larger companies and manufacturers in the Jefferson City area aren't closing as of this time, but they're implementing changes - shorter shifts, heavier cleaning and, in some cases, temporary layoffs.
Scholastic Inc.
Scholastic Inc. is the fourth largest employer in the city, according to 2018 data complied by the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce. The Jefferson City facility is located at 6325 Stertzer Road.
Anne Sparkman, vice president of corporate communications, said Scholastic is seeing a revenue impact across the company because of school closures in response to the virus and reduced operations at the Jefferson City location.
"As a result, we are taking difficult but temporary staffing measures, including the furlough of seasonal employees," Sparkman said in a written statement. "We are not making this decision lightly and hope and expect to resume normal operations soon."
Sparkman said any other changes made to operations will follow the guidance of experts.
At the Jefferson City plant, the company has temporarily suspended visitors and extra sanitation supplies are available for staff.
ABB
Industrial equipment supplier ABB isn't closing down, but staff are taking extra precautions, said Eike Christian Meuter, senior media relations manager.
All employees are avoiding non-business-critical travel, and access to factories is restricted to external visitors. The Jefferson City branch of the company is located at 500 Missouri 94.
"The health and safety of our employees, customers and partners remains our number one priority, and we are working hard to assess and mitigate any risks," Meuter said in a written statement.
Other adjustments include implementation of remote support and testing of products, flexible shift schedules for employees with children at home, education on personal hygiene and social distancing, and encouraging employees to work from home when possible.
Modern Litho
In a statement on its website, the printing company stated it is increasing focus on personal hygiene and developing an infectious disease preparedness and response plan.
Extracurricular activities within the organization have been suspended, and increased cleaning and disinfecting efforts of common areas are taking place. Plant-to-plant and non-essential business travel is also suspended, and visits to the offices and facilities of customers, vendors and group tours are limited.
Modern Litho is located at 6009 Stertzer Road.
Quaker Windows & Doors
In a statement on the company's website, CEO Kevin Blansett said Quaker is maintaining its day-to-day operations including accepting, manufacturing and shipping of orders. They are not experiencing any shipping delays currently.
The company is also taking proactive steps to protect the health and employees, customers and the community.
Quaker's facility is located on U.S. 63 in Freeburg.
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