Doug Bondon and the team at Artisan Colour are stepping up their efforts in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic. The CEO and President of the award-winning Scottsdale commercial printer said his team was spurred to action when protective gear for emergency and front-line personnel was critically low.
“We were listening to the headline news at the office. When we heard reports about the rising COVID-19 infection rates and the shortage of protective gear for healthcare workers, you could feel the sadness in the room,” Bondon said. “Our Director of Digital Printing, Alan Ludington suggested we do something to help and the energy instantly changed – the entire team got behind it.”
The company went into action, first turning its attention to face masks but quickly realized its equipment was more suited to manufacturing face shields. Ludington found a supply of PETG, a clear, PVC-type material ideal for the shield and Bondon authorized the purchase of the materials.
The first set of shields was donated to the Scottsdale fire and police departments. When the project is completed, an estimated 100 hours of manufacturing time will produce 1,200 to 1,400 face shields.
Team and family members have reached out to local healthcare organizations and essential businesses, including Banner Health, the Phoenix Children’s Hospital and a local food processing company, who have all expressed interest in receiving the face shields.
Artisan continues to operate while enforcing safety measures that include no-contact deliveries.
“Our team is operating on split shifts to maintain a safe distance – 50 percent of employees work one week and the other half works the next,” Bondon said. “Each team member has contributed to this project and can be proud that they’re doing their part in combatting the spread of this virus.”
Bondon encourages others who feel helpless during this time to find a way to help.
“If we all do our part, we can overcome this situation as a community. We’re all in this together,” Bondon said.
