UNE selects Biddeford manufacturer to produce 2,000 face shields

BIDDEFORD — When the University of New England needed to purchase face shields for medical, dental and other health care students, the college didn’t have to look to far to find a supplier.

The college recently purchased 2,000 face shields from Biddeford-based Thermoformed Plastics of New England. The manufacturing company retrofitted its production line to create face shields in March, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and face shields and other protective items became in demand for healthcare and other frontline workers.

“This was all new to us. Before COVID-19, we didn’t know what a face shield was,” said TPNE Founder and General Manager Paul Tyson.

The small business, which employs about 15 people at its 362 Hill Street location, has quickly become an expert on the item. In just a few months, the company has made more than 1 million face shields, with production occurring 10 hours a day, seven days a week, said Tyson.

“As we continue to go through this crisis, we are pleased to be serving Maine and its people, helping to keep them safe,” he said.

The plastic face shields are 11 inches wide across the brow and 8 inches deep and have an anti-fog coating, and keep secure with foam and elastic.

UNE President James Hebert said though there are many manufacturers of face shields across the country, the college was pleased to partner with a local business.

“Sometimes the best quality products are located right in your backyard,” he said.

The shields will be worn by faculty and students in the College of Dental Medicine for all direct patient care except routine procedures, and students and faculty in the College of Osteopathic Medicine will use the shields for clinical skills training and practice while learning various procedures and examinations, according to a press release from UNE. Students in certain other health professions programs will also be supplied with face shields.

“As our health professions students return to campus, we need to provide them with appropriate protective equipment so they can continue their hands-on training,” said Herbert.

The face shields will be used in conjunction with surgical or N95 respirator masks when working on procedures that may generate respiratory aerosols, under federal guidelines.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.