Mueller Co. stays operational during pandemic

Springfield-based Paul Mueller Co. (OTC: MUEL) remains open for business after classifying as a critical manufacturer amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Officials with the stainless steel equipment manufacturer in a March 24 news release pointed to the company's work serving the medical and health care, food, agriculture, chemical and water industries. The work aligns with essential businesses outlined in the city of Springfield's stay-at-home order, as well as U.S. Department of Homeland Security guidelines.

“With 1 million square feet of manufacturing space in the United States, we have the
flexibility to create social distance and best safety practices during this crisis,” Mueller Co. President and CEO David Moore said in the release.

Mueller Co. officials say the company is allowing employees to request leave. If approved, they'll maintain their health insurance coverage and standing in the company, and they'll receive assistance via all available sources of pay, according to the release.

“This is a difficult time and situations are unique, so having individual flexibility is important for our company and our community," Moore said in the release. "We believe that we can continue to also meet the needs of our customers, many of whom are on the front lines of caring for our country right now.”

Mueller Co. is scheduled to report its fourth-quarter and 2019 earnings by early April, a company spokesperson said.

The company most recently reported third-quarter net income of $1.14 million, a roughly 38% increase compared with the same period in 2018.