Leominster, MA – April 7, 2020 – AIS, a leading manufacturer of commercial office furniture and seating, remains open as a designated Essential Employer during the COVID-19 Crisis.  The company’s decision is in direct response to urgent requests received through its sales and dealer network to provide product to critical services organizations throughout the country.

AIS will continue to manufacture and ship office furniture products to support the efficacy of hospitals and medical suppliers, biotech firms, local, state and federal agencies, IT firms and other critical providers throughout this crisis.  Distributed product will help vital organizations continue to function by meeting the needs of their onsite and remote workers who are diligently working towards the mission of keeping the citizens of our nation safe, infrastructure running smoothly, and providing vital health services.

In addition to manufacturing its standard and custom office furniture solutions for critical customers, AIS is rapidly developing and producing unique products to help contain the COVID-19 virus. Cloth face masks are being sewn onsite and distributed to its employees and donated to frontline workers. Personal protective equipment and screens are in accelerated product development and will be produced in a converted section of the 600,000 square foot factory.

To protect the health and well-being of its employees, the company has initiated stringent practices in accordance with CDC and WHO guidelines throughout their organization.

Corporate Employee Protocols:

1. Non-essential travel has been halted.
2. Non-essential employees in Leominster and around the country are working from home.
3. No face-to-face meetings are being held with groups.
4. Use of tele-conferencing technology to service customers and sales requests.
5. Social distancing practices are in place.
6. Ill employees are required to stay home.

Operations and Manufacturing:

1. Rigorous and regular cleaning in factory and office is ongoing. 
2. Temperature checks for onsite personnel entering the facility.
3. Hand sanitizer has been placed across our facility and safe hygiene tips have been shared.
4. Advanced air ventilation system exchanges fresh air in the factory frequently.
5. Onsite employees are offered face masks or face shields to help prevent the spread of the virus.
6. AIS will soon be producing divider screens for use in the factory to allow greater isolation of workers. These are currently in development.
7. National showrooms are all closed, in compliance with local and state requirements.
8. Visitors are allowed by appointment into our facility – and only in small groups of 10 or less.

“I am so proud of our dedicated employees and truly humbled to be designated as an essential employer in Massachusetts. We are working together and doing everything in our power to keep our teams safe while providing solutions to help support the frontline heroes across the country,” AIS President and CEO Bruce Platzman said.

This designation comes as the governor of Massachusetts issued an emergency order requiring all business and organizations that do not provide COVID-19 Essential Services to close their workplaces to workers, customers and the public from 3/24/20 until 5/4/20.