The recent worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted numerous businesses and consumers in many ways, one of which is confusion regarding which businesses are deemed “essential” and will remain open while others either shutter temporarily or suspend certain services. The metal fabrication world has been impacted as well, but recent developments at the federal government level have brought some clarity here.

At Cypress Metals, we’re proud to provide a variety of custom metal design and metal fabrication services of everything from chimney covers and chimney caps to cupolas, range hoods and many other materials. Recently, the US Department of Homeland Security deemed “metal manufacturing” part of the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce – let’s go over what this means for the industry, plus a couple areas of metal fabrication that have become even more important during this outbreak.

“Essential” Definition and Metal Fabrication

Under the guidelines linked above, metal manufacturing is essential within several “critical” manufacturing operations. These operations include:

• The manufacturing of metals like steel and aluminum, plus materials and products need for supply chains associated with food, agriculture and related fields.
• Manufacturing and maintenance of equipment and other infrastructure needed for mining production and various distribution networks.
• Workers required to maintain continuity of the above manufacturing functions and all related supply chains.

Now, it’s important to note that the document in question is intended to provide guidance to state and local jurisdictions. That said, due to the vital role these areas play in important pandemic response areas like food supplies and others, they are generally being followed around the country.

Feed and Grain Storage

Feed and grain storage are hugely important areas within agriculture, with contamination prevention serving as a particularly vital need. A single poor weld or rust spot on fabricated metals could compromise a full silo of feed and grain due to moisture or other contaminant exposure, risking entire harvests being lost – but quality metal fabricators create products that prevent these risks entirely.

Through techniques like hot-dip galvanizing (for corrosion resistance), various welding formats and several fabrication detail/ling methods, a fabricator will eliminate any potential for structural issues in agricultural settings. Fabricators are happy to play this important role in maintaining safe storage and transportation of food, water and feed.

Infrastructure Areas

In addition, metal fabricators provide materials for other important infrastructure areas, such as HVAC and pollution control that are even more vital during a disease outbreak. They help manufacture products and materials for medical equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE) and various medical supply chains. In addition, they manufacture numerous pieces of equipment that directly support other essential services, plus increases in remote workforce materials like computing and communication devices.

For more on why metal fabricators have been deemed essential during the COVID-19 outbreak, or to learn about any of our metal fabrication or laser cutting services, speak to the staff at Cypress Metals today.