Pivot to making plexiglass 'sneeze guards' for retailers saves a small business in Michigan

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Out of a desire to get back to work, pliexiglass company i.M. Branded became essential, adding the capability to cut and design plexiglass 'sneeze guards' and social distancing signage.

"Most of our orders that come in every single day are from your mom and pop business, your medical offices, your retail environments and some large brand restaurant groups too," said Jim Whitehead, a small business owner in Michigan who shifted production in April to sell plexiglass partitions.

Despite the surge in protective shields, manufacturers of plexiglass and acrylic sheets – known as Poly Methyl methacrylate or PMMA in the industry – are not exempt from the impact coronavirus is having on the economy. Prices currently are currently around two-year lows, about 40% below May 2018 levels. That's largely due to the majority of its demand coming from the construction and automotive industries, which have been largely shutdown due to the pandemic.

Whitehead, founder and CEO of i.M. Branded, said he's glad his company got in early when purchasing the raw materials. After already experiencing a backorder on acrylic, he foresees a supply issue as more of the country opens back up and demand for clear partitions increases. Out of a desire to get back to work, Whitehead said he and his team figured out a way to be considered essential, adding the capability to cut and design plexiglass "sneeze guards" and social distancing signage.

 

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Biggest damage from pandemic is economic and quickest fix is tax and redirect money from stock trading and consumer sales to fund basic income for 100 mn consumers!

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