The Gilman Brothers Company agrees to commercial alliance with Impact Plastics in the supply of essential COVID-19 supplies
The Gilman Brothers Company and Impact Plastics have agreed to an exclusive distribution agreement for all global markets specific to optically clear styrenic blended material utilized in fabrication, graphics, and optical applications. Inspiration for this collaboration was fueled by both companies’ ability to produce materials to aid in the supply of essential COVID-19 supplies. Marketing and sales teams will work together to fuel new opportunities for both companies’ materials.
The optically clear styrene is being used in the fabrication of face shields, which are being distributed directly to healthcare workers and facilities, as valuable and essential personal protective equipment (PPE).
The two companies have recently worked together on a global solution for temporary beds and partitions, for use in field hospitals being set up for the treatment of COVID-19 and displaced patients. To create the beds, Impact Plastics’ medical-grade rollstock is laminated to Gilman’s foamboard, the INFINITY® Styrene Faced Foamboard. The boards are then cut into shapes that are fit together to construct the temporary hospital beds and partitions. The result is a moisture resistant, sanitizable surface, for a bed that can be assembled in minutes without tools and can hold up to 650 lbs. depending on bed design. Several new items are currently in development to meet global demand.
Gilman Brothers’ core business is traditionally focused as a manufacturer of foamboard for graphic arts, and printing applications for a variety of finished art, advertisement and merchandising signage. Looking to ensure employment for their dedicated staff, Gilman Brothers took the initiative to quickly shift operations, and develop an innovative solution for their materials. “As a team we worked together to pivot our business direction given the uncharted waters we all face. The beds, partitions and soon to be other essential needs will be rolled out over coming days. To be a part of a group of people who help save lives and jobs is comforting, to know the bigger purpose we all can serve when working together,” said Bill VanHorn, Director of Sales for the Gilman Brothers Company.
Regarding Gilman’s decision to work with Impact Plastics on this initiative, “Impact Plastics has been a long-time partner of ours. We felt that the timing was now to pivot toward new opportunities and markets with their products as well as support our existing core group of customers,” says Bill VanHorn. “I would also say that as we continue our specification efforts throughout the supply chain, Impact’s materials simply accelerate the growth.”
Impact Plastics is a custom extrusion company specializing in thin gauge extruded plastic sheet and roll stock, with extensive experience supplying medical-grade materials for medical packaging, medical device and pharmaceutical applications. For additional information about Impact Plastics, visit their website at www.impactplastics-ct.com.
For additional information on any Gilman Brothers products visit our website at www.gilmanbrothers.com, email us at sales@gilmanbrothers.com or call regular EST business hours 860-889- 8444 USA or the new 24/7 hotline 860-884-2077.
