Alma Foods reopens after brief closure due to Covid-19 crisis

US-based Alma Foods has reopened following a brief period of closure due to the Covid-19 crisis.

On 18 April, the company announced the voluntary suspension of operations at its facility after one of its employees tested positive for Covid-19.

The company now plans to gradually ramp up production in compliance with the established guidelines while ensuring the safety of its workers.

During the suspension of operations, Alma Foods has implemented additional safety produces such as deep cleaning of high-touch areas and the rearrangement of common areas and workstations at the facility.

The company also revised shift scheduling, issued new carpooling and extensive social distancing directives, as well as collaborated with third-party health and safety experts to devise the phased reopening plan.

Alma Foods plant manager Shane Weers said: “We have an incredible team of inspired people at Alma Foods and while we know that this current Covid-19 pandemic has been a very difficult situation for our team members, their families, our friends and neighbours and our community, we are eager to get back to doing what we love and that’s making great food.

“We have put the safety of our team members first throughout this pandemic and will continue to do so.”

It also launched the ‘KEEP COVID OUT!’ campaign to ensure safety at the workplace and throughout the community.

Weers added: “With the launch of the KEEP COVID OUT! campaign, we are adding the additional steps to remind people how important all the preventative efforts are once they out in the community or at home.”

A wholly owned subsidiary of Hormel Foods, Alma Foods produces a line of fully cooked meals. Based in Austin, Minnesota, Hormel Foods generates more than $9bn in annual revenues as a global branded food company.