Polaris subsidiary, East End Asphalt plant is open for business. The Duck’s Puddle-based company which manufactures asphalt for the island has been restarted, and work on paving projects across the island has resumed.The industrial sector has returned to work as the island advances its phased approach to reigniting the economy following the initial peak of the local coronavirus infections.Travis Gilbert, East End Asphalt general manager, shared his approach to safely bring back the company’s strong team of full-time and part-time employees, service providers, and small business partners.“As a committed Bermudian company, we understood the joint sacrifice required by the entire community to respect the month-long shelter-in-place directives,” Mr Gilbert said. “We commend the leadership for coming together to ensure we flattened the curve and for taking swift steps to safeguard the economy. “We salute the essential services, including those at our sister company, Stevedoring Services Limited, for helping ensure the island was fed, healthy and protected. And we also thank the communities around the island for their patience and discipline.”He said the East End Asphalt team was eager to get back to work but they wanted to ensure safety was their priority.“We have instituted the EEA Covid-19 workforce policy which includes social distancing, the wearing of mandatory PPE, the cleaning of tools and equipment before and after each use, and continued health monitoring,” Mr Gilbert said. “We have also utilised the free testing facilities provided.”Since the first phase of reopening of the economy began, the company has completed a series of paving jobs including the Hamilton Bus Terminal in preparation for the resumption of island-wide public transportation operations. Additionally, EEA has completed essential repaving work at King’s Wharf in the Royal Naval Dockyard, at the new Belco power plant, and within the Devon Springs Depot.“With the seismic shift in the world and local economies, there is concern about reduced cashflow across sectors which might impact demand,” Mr Gilbert said. “We are attuned to the economic implications of the pandemic but are confident that our core service: asphalt manufacturing and paving is a key element of the island’s infrastructure. “As an industry, we have the advantage of supporting a broad range of service providers which include asphalt installers, heavy equipment operators, truck drivers, electricians, welders, accountants, lawyers, and engineers. “Our core business provides significant long term value to Bermuda as we build the roads that connect our communities.”