In order to help in the fight against COVID-19, Whirlpool Corporation has worked rapidly since the pandemic began to obtain several shipments of medical supplies over the last few weeks for donation to Spectrum Health Lakeland, a health system in St. Joseph, Michigan, near the company’s Global Headquarters. There have been nine shipments to date with tens of thousands of medical masks, gloves, thermometers, and hospital gowns.
“We were approached by Dr. Loren Hamel, president of Spectrum Health Lakeland with a request for support and felt it was our duty to assist,” said Liz Door, senior vice president of Global Strategic Sourcing for Whirlpool Corporation. “Wherever we can help the front line responders during this difficult period is what being a part of a community is all about.”
Whirlpool Corp’s procurement and supply chain organization was able to use its unique set of skills and global connections to procure the much-needed medical supplies.
“During a crisis like this, we realize that time is of the essence,” said Door. “That’s why we worked quickly with our supplier community, our Whirlpool North America and Whirlpool China colleagues.”
“We were able to leverage our procurement and supply chain expert knowledge and partner with suppliers to expedite these critical shipments where they’re needed.” said Christy McMunn, Director of Transportation, Domestic and International for Whirlpool Corporation.
The majority of these supplies will be donated to Spectrum Health Lakeland, as well as the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office.
“These donations are incredibly important as we continue to face this global pandemic,” said Dr. Hamel. “With the help of Whirlpool, we’ll be better prepared to fight the spread of COVID-19 in Southwest Michigan, as the virus is expected to reach its peak in the U.S. in the next couple of weeks.”
Whirlpool Corp’s procurement team worked closely with U.S. Congressman Fred Upton’s office to make these shipments a reality.
“The spirit of our community has always been about working together for the common good of all,” said Upton. “It was great to see the talented people within Whirlpool and Spectrum Health Lakeland find an innovative solution to their needs that will truly help save lives in our community.”