NEW ALBANY, Ohio — Alene Candles began operations in New Albany eight years ago, and is one of the nation's leading private label candle manufactures in the U.S. 

Mid-March, amid the coronavirus outbreak, management made the decision to shut down operations for the safety of nearly 200 employees.

But like many manufacturers across the globe, Alene wanted to make a difference in the fight against an invisible enemy. 

    What You Need To Know


    • While operations were shut down due to the pandemic, volunteers donated 30,000 units of face shields to central Ohio first responders and health care facilities 

    • The company is using a phased-in approach to welcome back employees, who will shift from face shields back to candles

    • Alene Candles employs nearly 200 people and has been in New Albany since 2012

So, after studying CDC guidelines, a team of 20 volunteers assembled and donated 30,000 units of face shields to central Ohio first responders and health care facilities over a three-week period.

“We had employees that were going out and building these face shields everyday and they were going out and delivering boxes to the individuals who pulled up outside. And just the thank you that was coming from those individuals picking up these shields was extremely powerful and rewarding,” said Plant Manager Darrell Finck. 

Alene continues to pay employees not working during the coronavirus pandemic.

And they're using a phased-in approach as employees shift from face shields back to candles.

Some say the social distance guidelines will be an adjustment, but one employee says the time off has taught some valuable lessons.

“It's the new normal for everyone and we're just gonna have to adapt. I think it was phenomenal that we were able to switch from doing a candle production over to what everyone needed most. A lot of people do need to think more about buying products here locally made,” said employee Julie Mitchell. 

In recent weeks Alene officials added barriers, wash stations and temperature checks, as well as an hour-long orientation to show folks this is the new normal. 

“It goes through all the different steps, how you come into work everyday, you know, making sure we're following our protocol. And then from there, making sure everyone knows how to enter the facility without crossing paths,” said Finck. 

Finck has been in manufacturing for 30 years. It's a fast paced, aggressive process designed for efficiency, and quality, but in the end, employees are their most important resource. 

"Employees are absolutely our best asset. Taking care of them was our number one project,” said Finck.