Thank you, ECM Industries Distribution Team
New Berlin, Wisconsin — May 29, 2020
As the world turns a page on the COVID-19 pandemic, ECM Industries gives special thanks to our employees who showed us the great achievements our teams can accomplish in the face of adversity.
In the last three months, the New Berlin, WI distribution center never saw a day that we closed our doors or had to cease operations. Because of the hard work and dedication of our teams we were able to fulfill orders and maintain business, breaking several team-records along the way. While many companies found themselves understandably struggling during these difficult times, the ECM Industries Distribution Center team delivered some of the best results we’ve ever seen as an organization.
Despite these unusual circumstances the team persisted. Not only was productivity up 10-15% in all areas, but order-picking accuracy had also increased, reaching 100% accuracy for three straight days at one point. On-Time Delivery never dipped below 99.62% for any one week during the three-month period. The team also broke records week after week picking more cases than ever before. During the week of May 4th the team picked a record 141,837 cases only to see that achievement surpassed the very next week by picking 161,369 cases.
When asked what he was most proud of, Mike S, Order Expeditor in the Distribution Center happily stated, “That we are able to meet and exceed daily goals. This is a no quit team, we never stopped, and nobody really took time off.”
We would be nothing without our team in the Distribution Center and would like to thank these amazing men and women who have worked diligently to ensure business as usual continued throughout the pandemic. We faced many new challenges, often having to pivot and look for creative solutions to unusual problems. The health and safety of our workers has always been a top priority and in these strange times it became imperative that we had to adapt to protect our workers. Safety measures were implemented immediately when quarantine started, in early March, and we continue to practice them today. Masks must always be worn, break rooms are off limits, equipment is now wiped down before and after use, and weekly electrostatic cleaning are just some of the precautions the company has taken to ensure employee safety.
“It was intimidating at first, and different with all the changes, like wearing masks for example.” says Yolanda R, an Outbound Lead who has been with ECM Industries for 15 years. “The warehouse team implemented changes right away, making sure masks are always worn and people are socially distancing.”
Traffic Coordinator, Angel S also applauded the safety measures which the team has implemented, “The warehouse team came up with things I didn’t even think of. Like the barriers they put up so drivers can’t come into the building was a very good idea.”
Precautions also reached outside of the Distribution Center to ensure the health and safety of the families and loved ones of our workers. Should a family member have been tested for the virus, the employee was able to quarantine until the test results came back. If the results came back positive they were asked to quarantine for two weeks to ensure infection did not spread.
“The warehouse team has done a great job to make sure it’s as safe as possible to come into work.” Says Josh B, Inventory Supervisor.
The commitment and dedication of our entire Distribution Team is admirable. Thank you ECM Distribution Workers!
