Local company known for making mascots switches production line to face shields for medical workers

By: Emily Thornton

Posted: Mar 31, 2020 12:52 PM CST

NOW: Local company known for making mascots switches production line to face shields for medical workers

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee company known for its larger than life products is switching its production line to help medical workers amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Olympus Group usually makes mascots and large signs, but now the company is making face shields for local hospital workers. The company got in touch with Froedtert Hospital in the last week and came up with a plan to help.

"We were able to reset the line in a matter of a couple of days," COO Jason Ahart said. "We keep a lot of these materials in stock so for us, we just went to our shelves, looked on the shelves and said hey, what could work and made some prototypes." he said.

After designing and getting approval for the shields, the company got to work.

“What we’re trying to do is produce something that can be helpful and beneficial to the medical community and also try to keep the cost low," Ahard said."We’re not trying to make a profit off of this."

.@OlympusGroup is changing its production line from signs and mascots to face shields for our local hospitals. @HerzingUniv is donating 10,000 shields. Hear more on this effort at noon on @CBS58 pic.twitter.com/YKWTXOUex7
— Emily Thornton (@EmilyThorntonTV) March 31, 2020

The company is producing around 3,000 shields a day and donating them to Froedtert Hospital, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital Milwaukee and Aurora Health Care.

Herzing University, which has a nursing program, decided to step in and pay for 10,000 shields.

“We heard the loud cry for protection and this was the best way to get more gear out there," Herzing University President Renee Herzing said.

Both Herzing and Ahart hoping to make a difference in this time of need.

“Our healthcare providers need to feel appreciated at this time," Herzing said. "We really do know the risk they’re at and we really thank them for it."

The Olympus Group is hoping to produce and donate 100,000 face shields in the next four weeks.