In mid‐March, many HPG companies, which are located all over North America, were forced to shut their doors to assist in preventing the spread of COVID‐19. While some remained operational, those that closed have reopened over the past month, with the last of them, Debco in Toronto, Ontario, reopening today.
“Like many companies, HPG’s operations have been impacted by the government‐mandated restrictions and closures,” says Chris Anderson, CEO of HPG Brands. “As a responsible corporate citizen, we supported these actions then, and continue to support them now.”
California’s Origaudio combined operational resources with fellow HPG company Handstands’ in their Salt Lake City plant, providing tech and accessories to the growing remote workforce. BEST Promotions was able to keep its workers busy as it was designated as an essential business, creating face coverings in its Texas plants, but it reopened for promotional item sales in mid‐May.
“BEST is open for business for over 80 percent of our line,” says General Manager Mike Hicks. “Most Coolies and drinkware are available with quick lead times.”
Beacon Promotions reopened its Minnesota plant as of May 4 with a reduced staff to ensure that all safety protocols were in place. Brett Olsen, general manager, says, “During the shutdown, the HPG Premium Brands line of name brand products continued to drop-ship products from the manufacturers.”
As the Boston, Massachusetts, area was hit hard by the pandemic, Hub Pen reopened in late May.
“We are excited to be back up and running and have taken measures to ensure a safe, socially distanced work environment,” assures Production Manager Julie Herb. “Every day we are producing more product, and our team would like to thank our customers for standing by and being loyal to Hub.”
Debco has been preparing its June 9 reopening. Vice President of Sales Alex Morin says, “The team has been busy working behind the scenes to prepare for the reopening by doing pre‐press for the backlogged orders that are waiting to be decorated. Strong inventory and our eager staff will pave the way for the reliable service that our customers have come to rely on.”
Anderson adds, “Throughout this process, I have been continually amazed at our customers’ understanding and willingness to work with us during this unprecedented time. Today, our customers’ patience has paid off as all of HPG U.S. operations are open for business. The HPG team has hit the ground running in rapidly fulfilling prior orders and is standing by to take new orders for our innovative products and services.”
HPG Senior Vice President of Sales Trina Bicknell says, “I am very pleased that all of our HPG companies are now open and shipping and ready to help our customers.”