Local Business Stepping Up to Protect our Community
SugarHouse Industries, typically known for awnings and seen at home-shows, is switching their manufacturing focus towards face masks. As a company, this isn’t the first time their manufacturing practices have changed because of war. This time they are fighting an invisible enemy, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) after realizing the need for PPE gear both locally and nationally.
Started in 1941, SugarHouse Industries began as an awning producer in SugarHouse. On December 7th, 1941, less than 10 months after going into business, Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japan and the United States was forced to enter World War II. Because of the war, purchases of textiles, canvas, and metals were “frozen” by the government, so it became very difficult to make awnings. Walter Owen Peterson began selling Sherwin Williams paint to supplement the awning business.
Michael Peterson,Walter’s grandson and current President of the company, is once more adapting SugarHouse’s business to provide for its 50 employees, which he considers part of his family. Instead of offering paint the company utilizes its industrial equipment to manufacture much needed personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare providers and first responders.
“We are fortunate to have the resources and equipment needed to be able to help our community,” Mike says. “Our industrial cutting and sewing machines allow us to manufacture thousands of face masks and face shields per day.”
When worn in conjunction with N95 respirators, face shields provide an additional layer of protection by stopping aerosols, spray, and splatter from reaching the eyes, mouth, and nose. Lightweight, anti-scratch clear vinyl provides full peripheral vision while still offering front, top and side protection.
N95 respirators and surgical masks are in very short supply in some instances requiring users to wear them all day without discarding them. Face shields allow users to wear their surgical face masks safely longer.
“We are making the shields out of the same clear vinyl we use to make windows for our boat enclosures” Mike comments. “The material is highly durable.”
SugarHouse is grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the community and looks forward to returning once again to making what they are known for – quality awnings, boat tops and covers with a personal touch, but is grateful to be able to contribute to our local community as we all work together through this.