Airstream is utilizing its resources and workforce to help “flatten the curve” while production is temporarily suspended during Ohio’s stay-at-home mandate.
“Our founder, Wally Byam, lived by a creed that continues to guide our nearly 90-year-old company,” Airstream President and CEO Bob Wheeler said. “Wally believed that promoting goodwill was an essential component of the Airstream business. Locally, that means doing everything we can to mobilize against this crisis.”
When Ohio health care provider Wilson Health established a mobile testing facility, Airstream made several Nest travel trailers available for use by staff. The travel trailers are available for staff to relax, recharge and stay warm while on shift.
“Like everyone, Airstream is looking for ways to do what we can to curb the spread of the coronavirus,” Wheeler said. “One of the best defenses seems to be testing. These are local heroes, and we’re doing what we can to help those doing the testing stay warm and healthy.”
Additionally, officials in Shelby County and Jackson Center, Ohio—home of Airstream’s production facilities and corporate headquarters—reached out to the company for assistance. Jackson Center Police Chief Chuck Wirick, along with Jackson Center Mayor Scott Klopfenstein and Shelby County Sheriff John Lenhart, inquired as to whether Airstream could produce certain personal protective equipment (PPE) during the shutdown.
“This situation calls for creative solutions, and we’ve tapped some of our workforce to contribute to the effort,” Wheeler said. “I’m happy to say they’re more than up to the task at hand.”
Instead of producing curtains or cushions for travel trailers as they roll off the line, associates in Airstream’s sewing department are now working from home assembling safety masks and protective gowns that can be distributed throughout Shelby County. While the materials necessary to produce these supplies are not typically stocked and used by Airstream, the necessary components were quickly procured.
The Airstream team estimates its can produce more than 1,200 masks and 50-60 isolation gowns by the end of the week. The team is also working on special headbands with buttons sewn on so medical staff have the option of looping their mask straps to take pressure off their ears.
“It just seemed like the natural thing to do,” Airstream Executive Administrative Assistant Christine McKenzie said. “We all have a responsibility to help flatten the curve and this is our way to help.”
McKenzie spearheaded the effort and will not only help manufacture these masks but will also collect the masks and deliver them to Steve Tostrick, health commissioner at the Sidney-Shelby County Health Department. From there the masks will be distributed to local police departments, fire stations, local hospitals, long-term care facilities, and anywhere else locally where protective masks are required.
The isolation gowns manufactured by Airstream will be used by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department staff during inmate transportation to Dayton for trial, as well as by deputies who have to enter homes during the crisis.
“We’re deeply appreciative of Airstream for stepping up to help protect the front-line men and women in Shelby County during this time of emergency,” Shelby County Sheriff John Lenhart said. “Airstream is an integral part of our Shelby County community, and this is truly a community effort.”
