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Oklahoma Plastics Company Makes Custom COVID-19 Shields

Facebook / @AlliedPlasticOKC

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — An Oklahoma City plastic supplier company has been receiving thousands of orders for custom-made protective barriers from businesses reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Allied Plastic Supply is working out contracts with a wide variety of clients to fit each business need for both their employees and shoppers, according to The Journal Record.

“Any place where there’s face-to-face customer interaction, we’re trying to develop styles that allow for that protection,” said Sheryl Gipson, a salesperson at Allied Plastic Supply.

A casino has asked the company to put up plastic barriers between slot machines. A nail salon is getting barriers with a hole just large enough for customers to put their hands in so the nail technician work, and a public library system wants to hang shields from the ceiling to protect checkout attendants.

“The problem is going to be sourcing the material,” Gipson said. “There still are domestic suppliers of acrylic, but they’re running flat out trying to keep up with demand. It’s hard.”

Allied Plastic Supply has been able to use its financial means and long-standing relationships in the industry to be able and secure most of what customers have asked of them so far. Their employees have also been able to continue working throughout the city’s shelter-in-place order.

“We are very fortunate that we have been able to keep 100% staffed, none of our employees have been ill,” Gipson said.

The company has also partnered with a nonprofit organization to provide thousands of face shields for OU Medical Center and Integris Hospital workers, and staff at the City Rescue Mission and Homeless Alliance.

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