Coronavirus Response
Update 11/5/2021
To all ATEK Team Members,
As many of you have heard, OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) was released yesterday. Like many companies, ATEK has been waiting since early September, when President Biden issued a 6-step COVID Action Plan, to learn more about the standard and how it will impact us. There is still much to learn from the 490 page publication, but the highlights as we understand them today are:
- Impacts all companies with 100+ employees
- Employers must request proof of vaccination in order to avoid weekly testing requirements for non-vaccinated employees
- Employers must provide reasonable paid time-off to employees seeking vaccination
- Employees who do not provide satisfactory proof of being fully vaccinated are subject to mandatory testing and masking
- No obligation on the employer to pay for costs associated with the regular testing of unvaccinated workers for COVID-19 or their use of face coverings
Over the next few days our HR and leadership team will learn more and connect with subject matter experts. We are committed to providing you updates on the details of the ETS and what it means to all of us.
In the meantime, please continue to adhere to the COVID safety protocols at your location and stay well.
Mark L. Osmanski
President & Chief Executive Officer
ATEK Companies, LLC
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Update 11/12/2020
To all ATEK Team Members,
We want to thank all our ATEK teammates for your continued compliance with the safety protocols put in place in response to the pandemic. We have been at this for some time now and maintaining our focus and diligence can be challenging. Wearing a mask, assisting with enhanced cleaning, practicing hand hygiene and being mindful regarding social distancing needs to be remain top of mind. While there have been isolated incidents of COVID exposure, our response team has engaged to perform contact tracing and provide notification, as necessary. Your individual contributions are making a difference and are greatly appreciated.
As the holiday season approaches, it seemed appropriate for us to remind ourselves that the same safety protocols enacted at work are also recommended during your personal time away from work. Many of you may be traveling to be with family and friends in the coming months. The CDC offers guidance on how to enjoy holiday activities and take steps to protect yourself from getting or spreading COVID-19 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html. We encourage you to continue to practice safe behavior for the sake of yourselves, your families, and your co-workers. Should you encounter a potential exposure while away from work we would ask that you contact your local HR professional so we can be advised and provide any needed support.
Finally, while the pandemic continues to impact the general economy, we want you to know that overall, our businesses are healthy and actively building plans for the coming year. Demand from customers has stabilized and is growing and we continue to invest in the companies adding new capabilities and capacity. Together we are a well-diversified organization which provides great resiliency and flexibility, particularly during difficult times.
Thank you and please be safe,
Mark L. Osmanski
President & Chief Executive Officer
ATEK Companies, LLC
______________________
Update July 24, 2020
To all Minnesota ATEK Team Members,
You may have already heard about the most recent Executive Order by the Minnesota Governor implementing a statewide requirement to wear facial coverings when inside indoor businesses and indoor public settings. We continue to support the guidance of our Governor and health officials. Beginning on July 25th, you will need to wear a mask at work.
Your HR team will provide resources regarding the proper way to use masks, laundering reusable masks and other related topics. If you have special circumstances that present a barrier to wearing a mask, please reach out to your HR team members to determine what alternatives may be available to you.
In the event that you do not have access to your own reusable masks, ATEK will make masks available to you for use while at work.
We understand that people have different views regarding mask use. We will be wearing masks at ATEK and believe that participation is critical to shorten the duration of the mandate.
Thank you and please be safe,
Mark L. Osmanski
President & Chief Executive Officer
ATEK Companies, LLC
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Update June 30, 2020
To all ATEK Team Members,
As we hear about the alarming acceleration of COVID-19 cases it is important that we take a moment and remind ourselves -we are not out of the woods yet. Changing outbreak conditions in each community will directly affect our exposure risks to COVID-19, both inside and outside of work. As time goes on, and communities start to re-open and fatigue sets in, we need to stay vigilant.
ATEK has developed and implemented policies and procedures that address preventing, monitoring for, and responding to COVID-19 in the workplace. We have completed hazard assessments, stressed the importance of practicing good hygiene and social distancing, and implemented facility cleaning protocols. As recommendations from health officials have evolved, we have updated our procedures and requirements. So, while we are doing all we can to keep you safe at work, we need you to keep yourself safe outside of work.
The CDC offers many resources to help you navigate these difficult times and help mitigate risk (cdc.gov). There is guidance on cleaning and disinfecting your home, running errands, eating out, living in close quarters, gathering with others, etc. But their steadfast recommendations are:
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Staying home when you are sick.
- Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
By doing all we can at work and at home we will all be able to enjoy our summer.
Thank you and please be safe,
Mark L. Osmanski
President & Chief Executive Officer
ATEK Companies, LLC
______________________
Update June 15, 2020
To all ATEK Team Members,
You may have heard the recent news that Honda had to temporarily close much of its operations due to a ransomware attack at their headquarters. This is a reminder that as cyber security threats evolve, they are becoming increasingly more sophisticated, with the potential of doing more harm faster than ever before. With many people working remotely, the potential targets of systems have increased significantly, and criminals are quick to exploit these vulnerabilities. The pandemic and COVID-19 are growing themes for delivering cyberattacks. Be very wary of emails and web sites with health advice, vaccines and miracle cures, map tracking, and charity scams.
ATEK maintains a layered approach to security in that we do not rely on any one product to protect us. We have separate security devices and software for monitoring and halting threats across our network. In addition, our data is backed up multiple times daily to three physically separated facilities on separately protected networks.
ATEK continually assesses our security environment and implements new measures when the risk and danger are apparent. Listed below are some of the specific actions we have undertaken.
- Updated our wireless access requiring employee authentication,
- Installing a new firewall at the Data Center to better protect our remote work force,
- Engaged Cyber Advisors to do a thorough baseline security analysis of our complete systems infrastructure, and
- Planned to engage a third-party firm to attempt to break into our systems to test its robustness.
ATEK has not had a significant breach of our systems since April of 2017, when a ransomware virus infected several computers. It is the diligence of our employees that is the prime reason we have not experienced other breaches. I would like to thank everyone for their continued vigilance, as you are on the front line in protecting ATEK and yourself from attacks.
Thank you and please be safe,
Mark L. Osmanski
President & Chief Executive Officer
ATEK Companies, LLC
______________________
Update June 8, 2020
To All ATEK Team Members,
Having successfully navigated through the most dynamic time of the pandemic thus far, Bill, Kay and I would like to express a heartfelt and very sincere THANK YOU to all the ATEK and Solar Plastics associates. We are so proud of you and would like to impart more than words to demonstrate how much we appreciate your courage and commitment during this unprecedented and unusual time.
This week every employee will be receiving "Call to Action" pay as an expression of our gratitude for your extraordinary hard work and dedication these past few months. We hope this brings some measure of relief and financial support.
As we stated in our short address a while back, we are doing everything in our power to ensure our company is here well into the future. You are a key part of our past success and essential to our future growth. In the meantime, please continue to practice social distancing and enhanced personal hygiene. We will get through this together.
Thank you and please be safe,
Mark L. Osmanski
President & Chief Executive Officer
ATEK Companies, LLC
______________________
Update May 28, 2020
To All ATEK Team Members,
As we come close to the end of our second month under the COVID 19 pandemic we thought it would be appropriate to update you on our position regarding work related operating procedures. We continue to follow the State's safety precautions and will maintain the following protocols in our daily activities, such as:
- Work from home - those that can perform their work at home are encouraged to continue to do so. However, our offices and plants are open should you have a need to be at work.
- Social distancing - when in the presence of others for a prolonged duration, you should respectfully keep at least 6 feet of distance from one another. If distancing is not an option you should utilize the recommended personal protection equipment (e.g., mask, face covering, etc.).
- Workspace cleaning - we continue to have designated team members responsible for regular cleaning of frequently used items and areas (e.g., doorknobs, conference rooms, breakrooms, etc.). In addition, you should do your part to clean your areas and common areas you use.
It is important each of us do our part and continue to practice these recommended safety measures. We will continue to monitor the State's guidelines and provide updates as needed. Should you have any questions please contact your respective Human Resources professional or a member of the leadership team.
Thank you and please be safe,
Mark L. Osmanski
President & Chief Executive Officer
ATEK Companies, LLC
______________________
Update May 6, 2020
To All ATEK Team Members,
Our journey managing through the COVID 19 pandemic continues. To date, we have taken significant efforts to ensure we have the necessary resources to keep our company strong and our teammates safe. We continue to monitor government and commercial activities in evaluating our plan and potential changes or actions we should undertake.
To that end, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend all merit and salary increases until we have a clear understanding of how the economy will recover. The effective date is May 1, 2020. We will continue to monitor the situation and restore normal pay practices when the circumstances become more stable and predictable. In the meantime, we appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work together to manage through these unprecedented times.
Should you have any questions please contact your respective Human Resources professional or a member of the leadership team.
Thank you and please be safe,
Mark L. Osmanski
President & Chief Executive Officer
ATEK Companies, LLC
______________________
Update April 15, 2020
To All ATEK Team Members and Business Partners,
As the impact of COVID 19 evolves, we continue to communicate what we know to ensure all ATEK stakeholders have as much information as possible.
Recently ATEK was successful in securing additional capital resources enabling some of our operations to resume production. We are now producing at some level of output across all three operating companies. This enables us to provide employment for our associates and begin replenishing our inventories in anticipation of increased demand as the economy recovers.
We have instituted several enhanced safety measures to protect our team members as they do their work, such as:
- Reduced machine loading to enable single operator staffing level,
- Assigned work locations promoting social distancing,
- Staggered shift start time and break time,
Marked 6 feet spacing reminders where employees congregate (e.g., assembly area, breakroom, time clock, etc.), and
- Expanded and enhanced cleaning procedures and practices
Many of our office staff will continue to work from home to the extent it is practical. When deemed necessary, they will report to the office, while ensuring they employ social distancing. Lastly, we have adopted the CDC guidelines and incorporated them into our COVID 19 safety procedures.
We will continue to update you with the status of our operations on an as needed basis. Should you have any questions please contact your respective Human Resources professional or Customer Care contact.
Thank you and please be safe,
Mark L. Osmanski
President & Chief Executive Officer
ATEK Companies, LLC
______________________
Update April 6, 2020
New guidance from the CDC on preventing the spread of COVID-19
To: All employees
The CDC now advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
ATEK Companies encourages our employees and their families to follow CDC recommendations of cleaning your hands, covering coughs and sneezes, disinfecting high touch surfaces, allowing for social distancing and other methods to reduce the spread of the virus, including this new recommendation to cover your mouth and nose with a fabric face covering when you are around others.
You can get information on how to make your own face covering with no sewing required from the CDC website- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
We encourage everyone to use materials they have at home and the instructions provided by the CDC to make their own face coverings and wear them to work and any time they need to be out in the community. It will also be important for you to wash them frequently, so you may want to make multiple face coverings to use throughout the week.
The use of face coverings is not required. We will not be supplying face coverings, but we can give you print outs or other instructions to make your own if needed.
Stay well.
Julie Mork
Vice President, Human Resources
ATEK Companies, Inc.
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Update April 3, 2020
Coronavirus Update on ATEK Metal Technologies Operations
We recognize the unprecedented nature of this global crisis. In response to the continued escalation of coronavirus (COVID-19) and following the social distancing guidance issued by public health authorities, ATEK Metal Technologies will continue reduced production at our New Hampton, Iowa facility April 6, 2020 until May 1, 2020.
As we considered a variety of factors, in order to best support our employees, reduced production will minimize the risk and greater exposure in our communities. We will continue to staff critical functions to support our customers & suppliers remotely. As a result of this, we will have limited receiving & shipping during this time period, please contact Dawn Sauer 248-514-8862 to arrange deliveries/shipments.
As plans continue to be adjusted and implemented based on the changing environment, we will work with you to monitor the status of your operations and recovery plans, as it will be critical to ATEK operations resuming production as planned.
We deeply appreciate your understanding during this difficult period. As the situation develops, we will keep you informed of any changes and wish you and your teams good health!
We request that you communicate your shutdown (if applicable) and restart plans with –
Joe Brown President jbrown@atekcompanies.com 608-515-4549
Heather Burrows Controller hburrows@atekcompanies.com 641-394-1714
Dawn Sauer Program Mgr. dsauer@atekcompanies.com 248-514-8862
Communications between our organizations is critical, please keep us appraised of any changes that may arise.
Sincerely,
Joe Brown
President, ATEK Metal Technologies
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Update March 30,2020
To All ATEK Team Members,
During these difficult times it is hard to know what is true – things are changing so fast.
Here is what we know to be true:
- ATEK has been in business for more than 70 years – and we have weathered many economic storms,
- ATEK ownership is committed to support all our employees and businesses – this storm will pass, and we need to prepare to do our part as the economy picks back up,
- ATEK leadership is actively evaluating all federal and state programs being enacted to support businesses like ours – we will identify which plans work best for us,
- ATEK will continue to provide you with updates as circumstances warrant, and
- ATEK needs you to stay safe and well and be ready to come back to work when operations are ready.
Working together we will get through this and prevail well into the future. In the meantime, please practice enhanced hygiene and social distancing to protect yourself and your family from contracting the virus.
Mark L. Osmanski
President & Chief Executive Officer
ATEK Companies, Inc.
______________________
Update March 26, 2020
A customer announces temporary pause on delivery impacting Solar Plastics
To: Solar Plastics- Delano
From: Sam Rosen, President
Earlier today we were contacted by a customer regarding a temporary pause on deliveries from all their suppliers. We are continuing to communicate with our customer to understand their needs and determine the extent of the impact this will have on our business. It is unclear at this time how long this disruption will last. We have had to make the decision to stop normal production, effective tonight at 11:00pm. Our third shift employees need not report to work tonight, 3/26/2020.
This notice is to inform production employees that they should not report to work, unless otherwise notified. All employees will be eligible for unemployment and may file with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (MN DEED). MN DEED has issued new eligibility guidelines for employees that are unable to work for reasons related to COVID-19. Solar Plastic’s situation is covered under these guidelines.
You may file your claim by going to their website, https://www.uimn.org/. If you are unable to file via this website, you may also reach DEED at 877-898-9090. When indicating claim reason, you should select the option specifically related to Coronavirus.
Employees will be able to remain on all current company benefits through April. ATEK will pay both the employer and employee portion of elected benefits for the month of April. We will work with employees to recover those funds when all are back on our payroll. This will ensure no disruption to benefit coverage during this time
Employees will also continue to accrue PTO during this time, just as they would if they were working.
In these ever changing times, we will use the ATEK site http://www.atekcompanies.com/, and the Branch app to provide information and updates so please check it frequently .
We understand that this is a lot to take in, and you may have many questions. While we are unable to meet with you in person, Lisa and Katie are ready and able to assist you in any way that they can. Please reach them by phone or email. If you receive their voicemail, please leave a clear message including your phone number and best time to reach you.
Katie Albers: 763-972-7430 Lisa Rosenau: 763-972-5638
kalbers@atekcompanies.com lrosenau@atekcompanies.com
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Update March 26, 2020
"Stay at Home” order to Minnesota and impact to ATEK Suppliers
Dear Valued Supply Partner,
Yesterday, Minnesota State Governor Tim Walz issued a “Stay at Home” order to Minnesota citizens beginning March 27th at 11:59pm and continuing until April 10th. This order includes closing non-essential businesses, but provides an exception for businesses that are part of the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce.
ATEK Access Technologies is considered a part of the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce as a supplier of medical, government, and defense markets. As a critical supplier and upon direction from the President of the United States, we have the responsibility to remain open to service our customers and ensure uninterrupted deliveries. This responsibility and requirement flows down through the supply chain to all of our supply partners. This guidance states that: “If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, … you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule."
As a valued supply partner to ATEK, we expect that your company is likewise part of the Essential Critical Workforce recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security per the above guidance. In the event that your facility is subject to a state or county shelter-in-place order or other type of COVID-19 related closure requirement, please review the order carefully to identify exceptions for essential, critical, or life-sustaining businesses and functions. Do not merely assume that such an order requires cessation of your operation. You can also share this letter with your state or local officials as needed to confirm the critical role you play in our nation’s Department of Homeland Security supply chain.
We will be open for deliveries Monday through Thursday from 7am to 3pm each week during this time and until further notice. If you wish to provide carriers with a number to confirm a delivery timeframe, please have them call Brenda VanHorn at 218-828-6613.
We encourage you to take all the recommended precautions to keep your employees safe and healthy during this unprecedented situation. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me, and please keep me appraised of any changes to your business situation as well.
Thank you for being a valued supply partner as we navigate this unprecedented situation together.
Sheila Hunter
Materials Manager
ATEK Access Technologies, LLC
210 10th Avenue NE
Brainerd, MN 56401
D: 218.828.6656 | F: 218.828.6620
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Update March 25, 2020
Stay at Home Executive Order for ATEK employees
To: All employees
From: Mark Osmanski
Re: Stay at Home Executive Order
Earlier this week I provided an update specific to a “Shelter in Place” order and what that would mean to the ATEK family of Companies. Today, Minnesota State Governor Tim Walz issued a “Stay at Home” order to Minnesota citizens beginning March 27th at 11:59 pm and continuing until April 10th. This order included closing non-essential businesses
As a reminder, ATEK Management, ATEK Access Technologies and Solar Plastics are considered part of the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce and we intend to continue operations in supplying products to our customers. We have work available and you are necessary to keep supporting these industries.
We are a supplier to government contracts. In addition to our military and defense products, we also support agriculture, water and wastewater systems, and cleaning businesses, making us a critical manufacturing business. For example, we manufacture products for John Deere (agriculture), Oshkosh and Raytheon (defense), Graco (water and wastewater systems) and Tennant (cleaning).
We fully support Governor Walz’s request for increased vigilance to fight this outbreak. As always, we ask all employees to practice enhanced hygiene practices (washing hands and covering coughs), adhere to social distancing guidelines, and follow your current attendance call in procedure to notify the company of your absences.
If needed a verification letter stating that you are employed at an essential business will be available, and you should keep it on hand in the event of a question.
The dynamics surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic are very fluid and we will continue to communicate with updates as circumstances require. If you have any questions or concerns on this matter, please speak with your manager or one of our HR professionals
Stay safe and be well! Remember VITAL, our employee assistance program, is available to all employees and family members https://www.vitalworklife.com.
Mark L. Osmanski
President & Chief Executive Officer
ATEK Companies, Inc.
_________________
Update March 18, 2020
COVID-19 Response
ATEK Access Technologies has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 virus outbreak as it unfolds. The health and safety of our employees and business partners is our top priority as we navigate the everchanging landscape. At ATEK, we remain committed to doing what is in the best interest of our employees, customers and suppliers.
As of this time, our operations are up and running with no impact to our daily business. Some of our team members will be working remotely to minimize any potential spread of the virus. For those still working within our facilities, we are practicing “social distancing” and encouraging enhanced personal hygiene to help minimize any impact. We have also implemented more frequent cleaning and disinfecting practices throughout our facilities.
We will continue to work closely with our suppliers to ensure we have the most up to date information on their operations and any potential interruptions. Should we learn of anything we will quickly communicate to our customers as needed. As of this time, we are not experiencing any disruption to our production.
In the event our plant experiences a confirmed case of COVID-19, we will notify customers and suppliers.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your regular ATEK representative or one of our Customer Care Team members by calling (800) 523-6996.
If you prefer you may email us at any of the following addresses:
CCT@Datakey.com | CCT@Larco.com | CCT@TankScan.com
Mark L. Osmanski
President & Chief Executive Officer
ATEK Companies, Inc.