Armenco Catering Truck Manufacturing Co. is one of the beneficiaries of the Recovery Roadmaps program. (photo courtesy of Mayor Eric Garcetti’s office)

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced Recovery Roadmaps – a program to help small and medium-sized manufacturers in Los Angeles navigate the economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Los Angeles is a manufacturing capital, and with COVID-19 dealing a devastating blow to this vital sector, we have to equip our small manufacturers with the tools and resources required to come back stronger than ever,” Garcetti said. “So many factories used their assembly lines to deliver masks, gowns and personal protective equipment to workers on the front lines of this pandemic, and Recovery Roadmaps will help these essential businesses navigate our new reality and weather these unprecedented times.”

Recovery Roadmaps is working with California Manufacturing Technology Consulting to provide participating manufacturers with individualized plans to help them adapt to the current economic climate. This initiative seeks to assist 3,500 small and medium-sized manufacturers in the Los Angeles region by Sept. 30, 2021.

Each customized roadmap will supply business owners with recommendations and resources to assist in the recovery from COVID-19. These blueprints can include support in business continuity and workforce planning, workplace safety, marketing, acquiring PPE, market diversification, local supplier matching and scouting, and risk management.    

“We are excited to partner with the city to get manufacturers the help they need to navigate these difficult economic conditions,” said Jim Watson, president of CMTC. “With the city’s help, I know we will reach the small and medium-sized manufacturers who are in the most need of these Recovery Roadmaps.”

The city is also leveraging its network of Business Source Centers to connect manufacturers to the Recovery Roadmaps program.  Any manufacturer in the Los Angeles area with fewer than 500 employees is eligible to participate, and interested businesses can visit offers.cmtc.com/covid-19-recovery-roadmaps.

“The Recovery Roadmap program has been integral in providing invaluable support, guidance and up-to-date information, as our organization continues to navigate the hardships brought on by the pandemic,” said Arthur Djahani, CEO of Armenco Catering Truck Manufacturing Co. “CMTC and the city’s assistance has enabled us to quickly comply with local health orders, obtain new contracts outside our usual business and retain and reinstate employees. Because of CMTC’s efforts, we are very confident that our more than 40-year-old business will continue to operate and contribute to the city of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County and the state of California. We recommend working with CMTC and signing up for their Recovery Roadmap program.”