Maizey Plastics have been at the forefront of supplying clear thermoplastic sheeting used by convertors across the country for the manufacture of sneeze screens, masks and the new intubation box designed by doctors at Johannesburg’s Charlotte Maxeke Hospital.
When President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the 21 day national lockdown, it turned the business world upside down and business owners suddenly had some very tough decisions to make. Realistically there would be many casualties, but a lifeline for some with the approvals granted for ‘essential services’ providers to still operate.
These service providers still needed protection measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and as such, the famous ‘sneeze screen’ was invented. The screen is a simple, clear barrier screen manufactured from acrylic, polycarbonate or polyester that is erected between the service provider and client/patient. In the final minutes of the lockdown announcement, manufacturers were overwhelmed with calls for supply of not just sneeze screens, but also protective masks, distance marking labels, signs and other information aids.
Maizey Plastics quickly adapted and stepped up to face the COVID-19 challenge head on. All enquiries are vetted to ensure businesses have the required essential services credentials and then its all hands on deck. Whilst keeping staff and handling to the bare minimum, individual staff members need to fullfil multiple roles, from sales person, to cutter, to fork lift driver. Chairman Rikki Maizey has been seen donning old clothes and getting stuck into cutting sheets in the workshop.
The person on standby has to do it all. Behind the scenes, finance and IT staff are mobilised in their homes and service personnel pick up on calls remotely. ‘We are blessed to have staff who stepped forward to help. Our management team is very busy fielding enquiries and our suppliers have provided material support every step of the way,’ commented Wessel van der Merwe, CEO of Maizey Plastics.
‘What has been truly amazing is the innovative ways in which clients have been converting clear plastic sheeting to make screens and masks as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. We are supplying to fabricators, hospitals, major retail chains, the police service and even had a collection from the military. The call for clinics and hospitals in need of intubation boxes are also growing and we are proud to be the supplier of acrylic sheet and materials for the new intubation box.’ Maizey will continue to service essential services providers with materials and technical support needed to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
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