Arts
As the pandemic struck the United States, one of the first industries to feel its wrath was the foodservice industry. The majority of foodservice workers are out of work today due to the effect of SARS-CoV-2, more commonly known as COVID-19. Mike Weisser, President and Chief Executive Officer at SandenVendo America, and Bruce Bickford, Senior Director of Corporate and International Sales at DALB, talked about the impact COVID-19’s having on the food industry and what their businesses are doing to help during this unprecedented moment in the 21st century. DALB is a global parts provider for the vending industry, creating everything from vending fronts to graphic fronts, tops and sides, and other thermoformed pieces needed for vending machines. When the pandemic struck and help was needed, DALB took swift action to transform their production into making products that could aid in keeping people safe. They are now producing protective face shields and polycarbonate barriers to protect checkout counters in grocery and convenience stores. DALB is also producing informational decals stores are using to instruct customers on new safety procedures. As part of DALB and SandenVendo’s long-standing partnership, Weisser said they helped spread the word about DALB’s capabilities to assist with these safety and protection measures. “While we wouldn’t normally provide or sell a cashier counter shield,” Weisser said, “that is something DALB has made available to us, and we are making available to the convenience store industry.” Weisser recognizes the need for his company to stay open and continue to supply the needs of the convenience store industry during the pandemic. “These businesses provide essential items to people at a time when it may prove challenging to get certain products elsewhere,” Weisser said.