EATON — Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) visited Southwest Ohio manufacturer Bullen Ultrasonics Friday afternoon to learn about the business and the effects COVID-19 is having on the company, and offer his support. Located in Eaton, Bullen is a globally-recognized leader in ultrasonic machining and has played a crucial role in manufacturing essential parts for various life-saving devices throughout the pandemic.
“Bullen is a prime example of a small Ohio company with big impact during this nationwide crisis,” said Rep. Davidson. “Not only has the company done their part in the manufacturing of key components found in ventilators, but g is continuing to prioritize the safety of its employees and keeping morale up during a time of economic strain.”
A survey conducted in late March by the National Association of Manufacturers found that nearly 80 percent of manufacturers expected the pandemic would have a financial impact on their business. While Bullen provided 90 percent of pressure sensor components used in the manufacturing of ventilators during the early-pandemic demand, other facets of the company came to a standstill, including its work in the aerospace industry. Like many businesses, Bullen took part in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in early April to help offset the economic blow.
Bullen President Tim Beatty took the opportunity to thank Rep. Davidson for the program.
“We sincerely appreciate your work with the Payment Protection Program,” said Beatty. “The PPP infused cash into our business, helping us continue to invest in our future and our employees. Instead of a massive layoff, we have been able to maintain 95 percent of our workforce despite not having the profits we were expecting this year.”
According to Beatty, the PPP loan allowed Bullen leadership to get creative in providing its essential frontline staff with paid days off.
“We gave our frontline staff what we called ‘limit days’ in April and May, allowing one paid day off a week during the early days of the pandemic,” said Beatty. “Unlike much of the workforce that could operate from home, our manufacturing team is deemed essential, meaning they have to be on site. We feel the limit days boosted morale and kept
them engaged.”
“The PPP helped keep more than 100,000 workers from Ohio’s eighth District on payroll,” said Rep. Davidson.
“Just like Bullen, nearly 9,000 businesses in our district who used the program simply passed the cash through to keep their workers employed. This has provided essential stability for individuals, families and businesses. Now, the banks and Treasury need to finish the work and complete the important work of forgiving the loans that were used in full compliance. This has equipped our economy to resume its momentum as swiftly and safely as possible.”
As for Bullen’s future, Beatty says the company forecasts demand ramping up again with recovery happening in the first quarter of 2021.
Preble County Commissioner and State Rep. Candidate Rodney Creech was also in attendance for the meeting. After the group finished their discussion, Beatty gave a tour of the facility, introducing some of Bullen’s frontline workers and providing an overview of Bullen’s machining processes.
“While the year may not end with the revenues we forecasted, we are thankful to have a thriving business,” said Beatty. “Not every manufacturer can say that, unfortunately. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s to count our blessings. We are ending the year grateful and hopeful for brighter days ahead.”
