JACKSON, MI – A Blackman Township business that normally does metal stampings, tubing and welding is swapping operations to make medical supplies for hospitals in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

Technique Inc. is manufacturing protective face shields after developing a prototype with Henry Ford Allegiance Health last week. The company – which specializes in emergency manufacturing – shipped its first batch of reusable shields on Tuesday, March 24, said Steve Hines, Technique senior account manager.

Hospitals across the nation are short on supplies, due to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Technique is selling shields to HFAH, but is also in conversations with hospitals across the country, Hines said.

Once production is in full swing, the company plans to produce 2,000 to 5,000 shields per day, Technique President Ronnie Johncox said.

"When you have the capability to do something and something really needs to be done, you have to step up and do it," Johncox said. "We're also looking out for the welfare of all of our employees as well as the welfare of our community."

Hospital workers can clean the shields with bleach in between seeing patients, so they can be reused during the supply shortage, Johncox said.

Technique makes prototypes and has non-disclosure agreements with customers, so it can't say publicly which work has been halted, Johncox said. But many of its customers, especially in the automotive industry, have shut down and don't need parts right now, he said.

"We can't ship into a plant that's shut down," Johncox said. "So rather than laying off employees that are here and ready to work, these face shields can take up some of that slack."

The company has 160 employees, but is always looking for more high-skilled workers, Hines said. Visit www.techniquejobs.com for more information.

Developing the shields

HFAH and Technique started conversations on Thursday, March 19, as the hospital tasked staff with developing prototypes for reusable masks and shields.

Technique used its computer-aided design and 3D simulation software to design the aluminum part of the shield, Hines said.

“Our process includes laser cutting the metal, forming it in large presses and cutting the final shape with five-axis lasers,” Hines said. “The plastic portions are cut with high-pressure water jet cutting. We purchased sewing machines over the weekend to make the elastic straps.”

Workers retooled the factory over the weekend, had the first prototype ready Sunday and began making the shields Monday.

If you know of any other Jackson-area businesses changing operations to help out during the coronavirus pandemic, email tdesorme@mlive.com.

Read more Michigan coronavirus coverage here

‘Why didn’t I get my haircut 2 weeks earlier?’ Jackson resident reacts to stay-at-home order

More Jackson County residents test positive for coronavirus

Consumers Energy CEO Patti Poppe gives $1M in coronavirus aid to Jackson small businesses

Rooftop preaching, drive-thru services encapsulate church in the age of coronavirus

Jackson’s ‘collaboration muscles’ paying off, says nonprofit CEO creating COVID-19 relief fund

How Grandma Sarah’s soup is inspiring goodwill amid coronavirus crisis

‘Raise your hand if you can hear me:’ Jackson City Council hosts first remote meeting