Shaw Helps Floor A Makeshift COVID-19 Hospital in New York

Shaw received a large request and a short turnaround to help with a makeshift coronavirus hospital. This was no ordinary order: 60,000 square feet of resilient sheet vinyl to be used in one of four temporary hospitals being constructed to serve the greater New York City metro area during the COVID-19 pandemic. This order was specifically for the Westchester County Center, a large convention center in White Plains, NY.

Shaw says an internal team was quickly mobilized to get credit approved, the product priced, and inventory released, all by Saturday afternoon. Product and adhesive were moved from Calhoun to Ringgold that evening. By Sunday morning, product had been transported from Plant LG in Adairsville to Plant 47 in Ringgold. The carrier arrived at Plant 47 to be loaded.

Both Plants LG and 47 are normally closed on Sunday; yet, 10 associates volunteered to come in and work to load the truck on their day off. By 10 am, the truck was on the road. On Monday, the truck was unloaded in White Plains and installation began.

In less than 48 hours from receiving the request, 60,000 square feet of flooring was installed. A building that usually houses basketball games, trade shows, and special concerts, now has a floor to accommodate the sick and those in need as a result of COVID-19.

More flooring is needed for tents being set up in adjacent parking lots. “We may ask ourselves if flooring is truly ‘essential’ during these difficult times,” said Dean Orem, divisional vice president of global logistics. “This is a great example showing how we can and do make a difference. The whole team stepped up and executed in this time of need.”

In describing the details of this event, Phillip can’t help but get emotional. “Those 10 associates that came in to work on Sunday, they are the lifeblood of our company. For them to come in to help and serve, that tells volumes about our people. Our team definitely has a great sense of accomplishment from this.”