A shift in medical equipment needs is causing furlough for Broken Bow plant

BROKEN BOW - With needs at hospitals changing due to COVID-19, one company is feeling the effects of the virus and is furloughing employees.

Becton Dickinson, known as "BD" of Broken Bow is furloughing 160 of their 600 employees. The furloughed employees will remain employed by BD, but pay is suspended during the furlough.

While a need fro certain medical products is seeing an increase, such as products used in the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19, other health care products related to hospital visits, non-urgent surgeries and elective procedures have seen an decrease in demand.

The employees at the Broken Bow plant will be eligible for unemployment benefits where applicable, and will retain medical, dental, and vision benefits. BD will pay both the employer and employee costs during the furlough period.

30 additional temporary workers at BD Broken Bow are released from their temporary work assignments.