Manitowoc-based Lakeside Foods is playing a critical role during this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
We spoke with Lakeside’s Director of Communications Anne Smith, who said early in the outbreak when retail stores began seeing increased demand, they recognized their important role as an essential business, helping the nation through this crisis.
Smith told us all of their packaging, labeling & warehouse teams are “working overtime to address the influx of orders we’ve received from our retail customers for additional canned and frozen goods for their store shelves.” That includes workers at the Packaging Center on South 30th Street.
Since the beginning of last month, Lakeside has observed a significant increase in order shipments, and they’re grateful for trucking partners who get those products to stores where needed. Smith explains that despite lower crop yields last year due to the weather, they have a sufficient supply of canned vegetables in their warehouses for shipment to retail customers.
She says canned vegetables & dry beans, those that have the longest shelf-life from a high-heat canning process, are in most demand. But, she stated they’re also seeing an increase in the frozen variety as well.
Smith says to protect their production employees while they’re working, Lakeside has provided extra hygiene guidance & implemented additional precautions that meet CDC & OSHA workplace recommendations.
The company is looking forward to starting to plant this year’s crops in the coming weeks for what will hopefully result in a plentiful summer harvest. Smith says Lakeside is continuing to hire for openings in Manitowoc & other facilities in Wisconsin & Minnesota, especially mechanics, maintenance technicians, machine operators & forklift drivers. Seasonal workers will be hired in the coming months for the harvest season. For more information, go to their website: LakesideFoods.com/careers.
