The Perfect Storm Brings in One-of-a-Kind Assistance
Started in 1988, Arena Design creates unique fabrics, textiles, and artwork that bring life to homes around the world. While they have weathered the storms that confront every business, nothing could prepare them for a one-of-a-kind event like Hurricane Harvey.
The Situation
Surveying the aftermath from Harvey, this Houston based textile company found itself with facilities that were devastated. Flooding destroyed the building, equipment, and inventory that included velvet and other high end fabrics, resulting in over a million dollars in damage. Making matters even worse, cancelled orders threatened vital cash flow necessary to recover lost machinery and supplies. A two-month deadline for a large national account suddenly seemed impossible. In addition, the owner was deeply concerned about the prospect of laying off his loyal employees. With such immense challenges, the temptation to throw in the towel was overwhelming.
Fortunately, a one-of-a-kind resource materialized in the form of TMAC Gulf Coast. Immediately, TMAC manufacturing specialists rolled up their sleeves to assess the damage, assist in the cleanup, and provide the strategic direction necessary to resume business quickly.
The Solution
Although the damage was so extensive that the owner seriously considered closing the business, TMAC Gulf Coast convinced the owner, Rusty Arena, that recovering production capacity was not only possible, but that it could be even better than before the storm. TMAC specialists guided Arena Design through the process of clean up and resumption of operations. In short order, the production line was reinitiated and the implementation of an inventory retrieval system expedited flow. On top of the losses, mold that had formed from excess moisture was creating unsafe air quality and threatening to halt the recovery efforts.
Meeting this challenge head on, TMAC Gulf Coast enlisted the help of a loyal TMAC customer for assistance. ASIET, an innovative provider of air filtration systems, delivered and installed their equipment at Arena Design. In record time, the work environment was rendered safe and suitable for breathing without respirators.
According to Tim Mitchell, owner of ASIET, “West Texas TMAC has been instrumental in our growth for the last eleven years. It is our privilege to be able to assist other TMAC clients in the hurricane Harvey impact area. Our air purifiers will allow Arena Design to breath easy as they work to recover from the devastating damages of the hurricane.”
As part of the recovery efforts, TMAC Gulf Coast provided ongoing assistance including:
- Developing a rapid production schedule to meet an upcoming deadline for a very large account.
- Facilitating the design and installation of a new inventory storage and retrieval system.
- Assisting in organizing an effective and secure system for storing recipes, formulations, and other design resources.
- Specifying effective contingency plans against potential future disasters.
The Results
From salvaging equipment to organizational restructuring, BeehiveFund’s TMAC was with Arena Design every step of the way. As a result of these efforts, operations resumed months earlier than would have otherwise been possible. TMAC’s assistance helped save not only the business but also boosted the employees morale to a degree that they are confidently on their way to delivering their orders. In addition, Arena Design has implemented operational improvements that leave them poised to achieve even greater outcomes than ever before.
When asked about the recovery and the unparalleled service he received from TMAC, owner Rusty Arena replied, “Thank you TMAC Gulf Coast for the rapid assistance after Hurricane Harvey! Your team’s key business knowledge, experience, and pertinent advice put us on the path to recovery and back in business within weeks. We could not have done it without you. You are the BEST!”
