Furniture maker Herman Miller shut down its Michigan plant temporarily to comply with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order on March 23. The company said as many as 30% of those workers could return to work Monday.
“Herman Miller serves the health care industry and the federal government, among other critical sectors,” company directors wrote in a press release dated March 28.
These workers will have a new job, as well—making equipment to support the fight against COVID-19.
“In an effort to support the thousands of medical workers on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19, this work will also include transforming a portion of its manufacturing footprint to fulfill the immediate need for medical and personal protective equipment,” according to the company statement.
The company noted that it was abiding by similar Shelter-In-Place orders throughout the world and country. While some factories remained idle, others are deemed essential businesses, such as part of the work done at the Michigan factory. Workers in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, remained on the job, also serving healthcare fields. All retail operations in the United States remained closed to the public.
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