PONTOTOC • Zack McMillen worked for nearly four years on the upholstery line at Southern Motion s No. 2 plant in Pontotoc. On Wednesday, he was laid off.
We surveyed our readers four times throughout the year to find out how they were coping with the outbreak and resulting shutdowns. Our first survey – which we sent out in March – revealed that three-quarters of our 562 respondents were already facing serious to major impact on their operations. Subsequent surveys revealed a decreasing impact but a higher infection rate among employees.
Most woodworking businesses at the time said they were facing serious to major impacts from the coronavirus outbreak, but also were optimistic about the future after the virus passes. Many even pitched in to help by donating supplies and re-purposing their manufacturing.