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Pivot International switches to making COVID-19 protective shields

Posted at 9:57 AM, Jul 16, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-16 10:57:37-04

LA VISTA, Neb. (KMTV) — Pivot International in La Vista usually makes medical devices and circuit boards. But when the pandemic hit, they designed and started making clear face shields so businesses can protect their employees as well as customers.

The clear protective shields are going up in many businesses around the country and some are made right by the company.

They say the process is a pretty simple one.

"At the start of the process, we take the molded feet, remove the protective covering from it, we put it on the fixture, secure the arms, tape it up and ship it," said Jeff Smith, general manager of Pivot International.

Although this is a high demand item right now, they add that it is not about the money.

"It makes all of us feel good; everyone who works in that facility, they are giving back, and we are not making much off of this," said CEO Mark Dohnalek. "It is not a revenue producer for us, but we have the capacity and capability, and is about servicing a need."

It took the company about six weeks to design the product. The hardest part was getting the materials.

"The plexiglass is in high demand, so that took some time," said Dohnalek. "Global sourcing is really strained right now for that raw good."

Pivot International makes around 400 shields a day. Due to products such as these, they have not had to furlough any employees.

And if you are looking for a job, keep your eye on this company. They say in the near future, they will be looking to hire more people.