Lamatek, Inc. of West Deptford, N.J., began manufacturing adhesive-backed foam strips for brow liners on PPE face shields early in March, when it became clear that there was not enough PPE for healthcare workers and first responders. Since then, the company reports that its team of employees has been working to accommodate as many requests as possible and to fulfill customer requirements as the need for PPE increases. As of mid-April, the company says it had supplied enough foam to make more than 3,000,000 protective face shields and continues to receive new inquiries every day. 

In addition to supplying customers and manufacturers of protective face shields, Lamatek also donated adhesive foam to Michigan resident Keith Wood, who had assembled a team of volunteers to make and donate protective full face shields to St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, where his two daughters work as nurses. Due to supply issues and lack of funds, the hospital had asked their employees to make and provide their own protective face shields as supplies ran low and exposure to COVID-19 became increasingly apparent.