On March 22, New York State went on “PAUSE,” meaning all non-essential businesses closed and non-essential employees were asked to stay at home to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Although we’ve missed the in-person visits to our showroom, our team is lucky in that we’ve been able to continue the work we love in some capacity, estimating and processing jobs and assisting our clients virtually. That said, we are elated to say that, as New York City now enters phase one of reopening, the Architectural Grille team is back in the factory, full speed ahead. 

Of course, our return to work necessitates some changes. Our top priority is our commitment to keeping our employees safe, so we’ve taken several steps to safeguard the health of everyone on the factory floor. On top of that, we’ve implemented two new technologies to assist in our mission to reopen safely. 

High-Tech Temperature Checks

The CDC is now recommending daily temperature screening at businesses, so we’ve implemented a technology called PopEntry+ to check each person’s temperature as they enter our building. The device uses a thermal camera to take an individual’s body temperature alongside an RGB camera that uses facial recognition technology to identify the individual. The data is logged in our entry system so that, should someone register a higher-than-normal temperature, that person can be notified and self-isolate if necessary. 

Electrostatic Disinfection Every Month

As another preventative measure, we’ve partnered with Eco Sanitation Solutions to deploy an electrostatic disinfecting spray once a month. The process applies an antimicrobial disinfectant coating on every surface — every workstation, computer, phone, desk, machine, lunchroom, bathroom, and supply room — which kills any existing germs, prevents new ones from growing, and lasts for several weeks. 

The technology behind ESS’s air-assisted electrostatic sprayer is what they call their MaxCharge™ "air-atomizing induction-charging" nozzle. Air and liquid enter the rear of the nozzle separately, then the air moves through the nozzle under pressure and meets the liquid at the nozzle tip, causing the formation of spray droplets that are 30 to 60 microns in diameter. At the tip of the nozzle, a tiny electrode applies an electrical charge to the spray, which causes a natural force of attraction between the spray droplets and target surface and allows the spray to completely wrap around — and protect — surfaces. Fun fact: this is the same technology that Southwest Airlines is now using to disinfect their planes. 

We’re proud to align ourselves with the highest standards of disinfection set by some of the largest corporations on the front lines of battling the virus, because we take the health and safety of our employees and our community here in Brooklyn seriously. We couldn’t be happier to be back in the factory, and we look forward to updating you on our newest projects soon. Be safe and stay healthy!