Statewide— On Monday, Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced Indiana businesses across the state are answering the call to support the global novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response effort. The state’s manufacturers are using its resources, supply chains, and employees to produce personal protection equipment (PPE) for health care providers, while business and community leaders have stepped up to source and donate additional materials.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation, which has been working with business leaders across the state to help meet the increased demand for PPE, has secured commitments for more than 2.6 million pieces of PPE. Of these, more than 1.9 million items are being made by 15 Indiana manufacturers across a diverse range of specialties, from automotive to RVs to caskets and consumer products, while more than 440,000 are being donated by Hoosier businesses and organizations. “It’s incredible to see Indiana companies shifting gears to help those who need it most right now, our health care providers on the frontline,” Gov. Holcomb said. “We couldn’t be more grateful for these companies stepping up and contributing in every way they can. They are true examples of how great the Hoosier spirit is.”
The purchased and donated products are being delivered to the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) for distribution to Indiana’s hospitals, first responders, long-term care facilities and health care providers treating COVID-19 patients. To date, the state has received and distributed more than 375,000 items of PPE and expects to receive more than 150,000 items this week with deliveries daily.
In Madison, two businesses have shifted production to help deliver these critical supplies:
- Royer Corporation, a leading manufacturer of custom injection molded foodservice equipment, custom swizzle sticks, beverage stirrers, picks and a variety of branded promotional products, is utilizing its resources to create face shields for medical workers. The Madison-based, family-owned company plans to produce 75,000 weekly pieces, sending 20,000 to support the state’s efforts so far. Royer has partnered with Clifty Engineering, also based in Madison, to fabricate and build an additional die cutting machine, which will double its output of face shields.
- SuperATV, a provider of aftermarket All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and Utility Task Vehicles (UTV) parts and accessories, has shifted production to make lightweight full-face shields, intubation shields and retail employee protective barriers, with plans to produce face shields for the state’s front-line workers.
