Access hardware manufacturer Allegis Corporation now is producing face shields for medical professionals who need this essential personal protection equipment (PPE) during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Minneapolis MN-based company’s core product lines are handles, latches and hinges for trucks, truck bodies, trailers and more. The medical-grade face shields are outside of Allegis’ core business, but the company says its capabilities as a non-metallic flexible materials converter, and its agile supply chain, made it possible for Allegis to quickly pivot its operation.
Allegis sales director Rick Frank worked closely with Jim Donaldson, commodity manager for Allegis’ longtime customer, Genie, a Terex brand, which commissioned 5,000 shields to donate to Overlake Medical Center in Bellevue WA.
The design-and-approval process was completed remotely, and didn’t deter a rapid turnaround.
“I’m proud of our team and our relationship with our customers to quickly work together to find new, innovative ways to find solutions,” said Clayton Keister, CEO of Allegis. Allegis said it leveraged its access to foam, adhesive and plastic required to produce the shields, developed the necessary tooling within four business days, and then shipped the first 5,000 units. The company plans to continue producing face shields to meet growing demand. In addition to health care workers, manufacturers are increasingly requiring shields to be worn on production lines, Allegis said.
“I am so proud of our company to be able to join in the fight of this disease by protecting those public servants that are protecting us and saving lives,” Keister said. “It is the most noble and honorable action that I can remember in my 35-year history in the company. It also makes me very proud to demonstrate how quickly the organization can respond to our customers and society in a time of need.”
Visit allegiscorp.com for more information.