Based in Chicago, Illinois, Atrend is known industry-wide for its vehicle-specific subwoofer enclosure solutions. As car audio retailers across the country have been forced to close because of the COVID-19 pandemic, sales of audio products dropped by more than 80% overnight. As many are aware, fixed costs like building leases and equipment loan costs don’t stop just because there’s no work. It wasn’t long before management was forced to lay off a quarter of their employees.
COVID-19 PPE Manufacturing
While assessing their assets, the management team at Atrend decided that a proactive plan was infinitely better than a reactive retreat. The company had the materials, equipment and manpower available to produce PPE safety products that would keep both frontline emergency and medical workers and the staff at essential businesses safe.
In only a few days, the Atrend team created a design for an inexpensive face shield that would work in conjunction with a face mask and other PPE to help protect people dealing with the public in face-to-face situations. The shields are built using FDA-compliant clear PETG that can be sterilized, and they include an elastic headband.
Knowing that businesses like hotels, variety stores, liquor stores and banks would need to stay open, the design team at Atrend created an easy-to-assemble barrier in a variety of sizes to help protect staff and consumers. Machined and painted MDF frames hold the FDA-compliant PETG clear plastic shield in place. An opening at the bottom allows for the financial transaction. The frames are designed to be easy to ship and easy to assemble with basic hand tools in just a few minutes. The plastic comes mounted in the frame. The purchaser need only attach the feet using the provided hardware.
Through their connections, Atrend was able to source two types of face masks, including KN95-rated units. All of the COVID-19 PPE products and solutions are available for quick and easy purchase by visiting www.atrendsafety.com.
Keeping Staff Working Supports the Community
With the cost of food, rent and fuel always increasing, many of us live paycheck to paycheck and don’t have the savings to weather unprecedented events like this COVID-19 pandemic. The quick thinking and creativity of the owners and management at Atrend helped to ensure that their staff members are able to get a paycheck while they produce products that will protect frontline emergency and medical staff and essential employees. This is truly a win-win situation for everyone.
For more information about Atrend safety products, you can call their order hotline at 847-350-6436 or send an e-mail to safety@atrendusa.com. If you are interested in their car audio products, please visit their website and be sure to follow them on Instagram and like them on Facebook.
