Bedford’s response to coronavirus makes headlines

As the coronavirus pandemic began deeply affecting the United States in March 2020, it became apparent that additional personal protective equipment was needed, and it was needed now.

In less than a week, the Bedford team designed and began mass producing the ElastiShield™ for healthcare and other essential workers.

The story was picked up by news organizations across the country.

Star Tribune

“Mask by mask, Minnesotans answer call for gear for health care workers”: After seeing a news clip about hospitals jury-rigging masks, Milbrandt, the company president, got together his team of engineers to figure how to shift production to make plastic face shields.

WCCO

“Coronavirus In Minnesota: Worthington Company Shifts To Manufacturing Face Shields For Fight Against COVID-19”: A southwest Minnesota company turning out twist ties has shifted operations to focus on the COVID-19 fight.

The Globe

“Facing — and meeting — the challenge”: As it turns out, the fight to limit America’s multiplying number of COVID-19 cases will likely be aided significantly by the efforts of a Worthington company.

Baking & Snack

“A rapid response to coronavirus: Bedford Industries develops, produces face shields”: In only a few days, Bedford Industries, a producer of twist ties, bendable components and closures for the baking and snack industries, has transformed part of its production facilities to create, design, develop and manufacture a new face shield to protect N95 masks to assist front-line medical workers nationwide.

The Produce News

“Produce tag supplier adds face shields for crisis:” In mid-March, Bedford Industries President Jay Milbrandt saw a news story about hospital employees sewing handmade facemasks to help overcome their shortage of personal protection equipment. He wondered out loud if his produce tag manufacturing firm could help.

IndustryWeek

“Adding a New Twist”: Bedford Industries normally manufactures plastic twist ties for bread and produce bags, but once COVID-19 spotlighted immediate some needs, the firm nimbly shifted to making face shields for medical professionals.

KELO

“Bedford Industries creates protective equipment for medical staff”: But then came a twist to their business model. As news surrounding COVID-19 makes headlines, the southwest Minnesota company decided to get involved to provide protective equipment for medical staff.