Power Profile: Schaefer's Electrical Enclosures
Heroic acts have been abundant in the COVID-19 pandemic. One case in point: the action taken by a Missouri company to help in the crisis.
A single message spurred a leadership meeting which led to some tinkering around the shop and within 24 hours Schaefer’s Electrical Enclosures had a working prototype for an intubation shield. After a few tweaks to the hospitals’ specifications, that intubation shield is now in use in Missouri and Illinois.
Designed to be sturdy and protective, the shield completely covers a patient — in this case, those suspected of having COVID-19 — yet allows medical personnel access through two holes.
“We saw there was a need, identified a way we could help, and did it,” said Cliff Brooks, chief financial officer at Schaefer’s Electrical Enclosures. “Rob Ward, our vice president of operations, had a working prototype in 24 hours. We are part of this community and if we can do something, we are going to do it quickly and do it well.”
Founded in 1986, Schaefer’s Electrical Enclosures is located in Scott City, Missouri. Categorized as an essential business during the pandemic, Schaefer’s produces electrical enclosures from sheet metal which are used in a variety of industries — from wastewater treatment plants to the oil and gas industry.
“We have a responsibility to keep things going from a business standpoint but more importantly to our people,” Brooks said. “Rob Ward said early on that ‘we have to keep our people safe while keeping the business going.’”
With about 200 employees the company proactively made changes to how it operates in order to protect co-workers. Brooks noted they have spread people out as much as possible: creating additional break rooms, staggering start times, and going from two to three shifts.
Schaefer’s has continued to make the electrical enclosures while a few of their employees worked on creating the intubation shields. Brooks praised the people of Schaefer’s, saying they have a high capability team and there are not a lot of problems they can’t solve.
“It’s one of those things where we are doing our part and a little bit more. I think our people felt proud to be a part of it even if they weren’t directly involved,” Brooks said. “It has been amazing to see how people come together and rally to support their community.”
“Our executive team has experience working in large companies including Procter & Gamble and Emerson Electric. In a smaller company, the work becomes more than just a job as you get to know everyone well and our people count on a few of us to make good business decisions,” according to Brooks, who called it a “humbling responsibility.”
Part of keeping Schaefer’s operational is out of the company’s hands — a working, reliable power grid. Ameren Missouri, as part of its Smart Energy Plan, is in the process of upgrading the power grid.
“We have always had great support [from Ameren Missouri]. They have been responsive to our needs and supported our growth,” Brooks said.
As demonstrated by the company’s invention of the intubation shield, the people at Schaefer’s know what being responsive is all about.