Artisan Colour manufactures, donates face shields to emergency personnel

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.

The Fixture Zone pivots business model to provide PPE nationwide

A long-standing Phoenix-based company is pivoting its business model and utilizing its global supply chain experience to provide critically needed Personal Protective Equipment to health care facilities and retailers around the U.S.

The Fixture Zone, a Phoenix-based and family-owned company since 1957, has historically provided fixtures and display solutions for customers and retailers. The company has built an extensive global supply chain around the world. Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it quickly realized it could use its manufacturing and distribution know-how to help supply PPE equipment quickly and effectively.

“We started receiving a rush of inquiries from our customers for protection products and saw that they were challenged to get what they needed,” said Charles Sacks, CEO of The Future Zone. “And the news was full of stories about similar challenges. We already had our supply chain in place and wanted to do something to help make a difference and protect lives. We quickly began contacting our manufacturing partners and determined we could easily pivot our business model to provide the necessary equipment. We had the process in place and knew we could execute.”

Since March, The Fixture Zone has been distributing a host of PPE products to hospitals, senior care facilities, retailers and others around the U.S. Its product line includes face masks and shields, sneeze guards, sanitation stations and social distancing equipment. Besides hospitals and health care providers, grocery stories, hotels, banks and military facilities have been supplied equipment from The Fixture Zone.

Equipment and supplies are distributed directly where the need is and are sometimes routed through its Phoenix distribution center, Sacks said.

“As an on-going business, we realize that our reputation is on the line and are working to serve while delivering value and service,” Sacks added. “We are blessed to have a system in place to help our community and providers.”

Sacks also noted business strategy has also allowed his company to retain its existing workforce. “Our core customers aren’t open right now so the move just made a lot of sense to us. It’s the right thing to do right now.”

Koibito Poke donates more than 770 meals

Through the support of the community’s generosity, Koibito Poke has donated more than 770 meals to first responders, healthcare workers and those in need valley wide. Via its Koibito Cares meal donation program, which allows supporters to donate funds to serve first responders, the locally owned restaurant concept with five valley locations has donated hundreds of meals to Paiute Neighborhood Center, Mayo Hospital, Honor Health Deer Valley ER, Abrazo Arrowhead ICU, Copa Health Arrowhead Campus, and fire stations valley-wide in just one week.

Supporters can easily make donations online at www.koibitopoke.com in set amounts of $40, which will help Koibito Poke provide five meals for first responders; $80, which will provide 10 meals for first responders; or $160, which will allow Koibito Poke to donate 20 meals to first responders.

AZ Big Media is looking to spotlight those individuals and businesses that have stepped up in the face of the current crisis we are all living through and made a difference in the communities in which we live, work and play. Do you know someone or an organization we should spotlight? Send the details to michael.gossie@azbigmedia.com.