Daniel Kaufman is the Head of Corporate Strategy and New Business Development at FKA Brands, parent company of HoMedics.  The Commerce Twp., Michigan based, family-owned company, has a long history of bringing both lifestyle and medical devices to the public, as well as giving back to the community they call home.  COVID-19 gave them an opportunity to revamp their global supply chain and do all of these things at once.

As the pandemic spread, the company realized the brick and mortar stores selling their products would be closing. But they did have production and distribution channels in China.  This enabled them to shift production and begin making masks and other forms of PPE, or personal protective equipment.  But it wasn't easy.  Daniel says it was only because of their robust audit system that they were able to properly vet factories.  In the end, of 70 factories vetted, only 6 were up to par.

Once the equipment starting rolling off the assembly line, though, it had to make its way to Michigan. And when HoMedics didn't have much luck with traditional shippers, they reached out to commercial airlines.  For the first time, an Israeli El Al Jet landed at Detroit Metro Airport.  The plane wasn't carrying people, it was helping to save them. And this proved very special for Daniel's father - Alon Kaufman, a native Israeli.

Finally, the company is ramping up production on its ultraviolet light products - used to sanitize phones and other products.  Daniel spoke about the need to teach the public about these products.

More: 

HoMedics on the web: https://www.homedics.com/

Michigan Motors Forward is produced by JAG in Detroit Podcasts in partnership with Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications.

https://jagindetroit.com/

https://tannerfriedman.com/