Blue Ox/Automatic temporarily suspends some production functions at its facilities in Pender and Lincoln, Nebraska in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The company indicated the changes are designed to lower the probability of Coronavirus exposure to employees. Blue Ox/Automatic will remain open to produce and fill incoming
orders, assist with customer care, sales support, distribution, and other essential activity to support dealers/customers. The company said production will accordingly adjust to incoming orders for its staple products.
Blue Ox said it will pay associates affected through the pay period ending April 3rd. Benefits and health insurance will be ongoing for associates throughout the suspension period. Executive members, management, and some associate compensation will temporarily be reduced.
Blue Ox/Automatic has been in contact with the Nebraska State Department and offered the utilization of its production/distribution facilities for conversion to manufacture necessary items to combat the pandemic.
Blue Ox officials are also exploring ways to assist front line health care professionals including potential utilization or conversion of the company’s on-site campground and Jay Hesse Welcome Center in Pender, Nebraska.
The company said it will continue to monitor COVID-19 and associated state and federal legislation closely. The company said it is committed to executing contingency plans, including the exploration of state and federal programs as they are approved. The company said demand for Blue Ox products has been strong prior to the outbreak and expects business to rapidly ramp up once the pandemic passes.
