RICHMOND, IN — Primex Plastics Corporation has dedicated its three divisions to producing vital materials for first responders and medical professionals in New Jersey and Indiana.

Primex Plastics, a subsidiary of ICC Industries, Inc., is the largest extruder of custom polystyrene sheet in the industry. In addition to its extrusion business, Primex is the parent company of Primex Design & Fabrication (PDF) and Primex Color, Compounding & Additives.

Primex Color, Compounding & Additives in Garfield, New Jersey developed and started manufacturing a compound that is used to produce plastic vials for COVID-19 test kits. In addition, Primex’s extrusion division is producing clear plastic sheet needed to manufacture face shields.

In conjunction with Richmond’s Reid Health, Primex Design & Fabrication, designed and began producing replacement face shields for Reid’s bio helmets that protect clinical staff. In a press release Reid described PDF’s effort as an “Apollo 13 moment” where an unorthodox solution saved the moment.

PDF has also developed stand-alone shields, the PrimexProtect shield and expects to go to production this week. These shield are designed to add an extra layer of protection for medical personnel to conserve N95 masks.

The company was able to quickly gear up in several ways after Primex President Mike Cramer made it clear that it was the company’s responsibility to support the community and the country during this demanding time.

“This time is not about business. It is a time of unity,” says Darin Dubbs, director of human resources at Primex. “Our ability to help in the crisis has been uplifting to the employees at Primex.”

“All three divisions of Primex stepped up quickly and demonstrated their ability to solve problems,” says Primex Business Unit Director Doug Borgsdorf. “It’s times like these that our employees show their true colors. We’re proud to be engaged in the fight against this terrible virus.”