ST. LOUIS - Food packaging manufacturer Anchor Packaging LLC has redirected a portion of its engineering staff and its 3D laser-printing machinery toward making face shields for health care workers in the St. Louis area. 

The 3D printer is producing rigid frames for face shields, which are then fitted with Anchor’s clear PET sheet. As of April 13, 1,200 face shields have been produced and delivered to local hospitals, and the company anticipates that it will continue to produce 600 face shields per week.  

“During more normal times, we use this machine to produce prototypes of new design food packaging in a matter of hours for our customers,” said Jeffrey Wolff, chief executive officer of Anchor Packaging. “In the current climate, we have dedicated this equipment, and the engineers that program and operate it, to help protect healthcare workers who are on the front lines fighting this disease.”  

Several of the company’s plants in Northeast Arkansas are also assisting COVID-19 response efforts with Anchor’s Community Outreach Program. Through the program the company is delivering donations of food containers, lids, foil wrap and cling film to local schools, hospitals and churches to help hunger relief efforts in the community.