Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jamestown Plastics in Brocton has answered the call for help from those on the front lines across Western New York and the nation.

"What we wanted to do is produce a product that had a life after this crisis," said Jay Baker, Jamestown Plastics Inc. president.

That product is the TrueHero face shield, designed and manufactured at Jamestown Plastics. 

This latest piece of personal protective equipment, or PPE, is crafted from a clear, medical-grade material, complete with an adjustable velcro strap as opposed to a breakable elastic one.

Unlike other shields, it has a full-wrap for complete facial coverage. 

"Once you fit it, it's on and you don't have to adjust it again. You can put it on and take it off. It has a foam comfort band if you will, that feels good against your forehead," said Baker.

Baker says Jamestown Plastics has generated about 30,000 shields, and is looking to add another production line that could more than double its output.

Crews have been working around the clock for weeks to fill orders to first responders and health care workers from about 20 states, including a recent large order to Florida.

"We're getting inquiries from around the world. This product is absolutely critical because anybody that may be possibly exposed, or dealing with someone with COVID-19 should be properly gowned, should be properly masked and have a face shield," said Baker.

The shields are already in use across Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties, thanks to some help from Jamestown Community College.

JCC, also heeding a call for help, has partnered with the company to help facilitate billing and distribution to other counties across the state. 

"I'm incredibly proud and for a lot of reasons. This is exactly the kind of thing JCC should be doing helping our employers. The fact that we're able to do something that's positive and contribute to this situation in a good way," said Daniel DeMarte, JCC president.

The Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency also playing a key supportive role in helping spread the word that Jamestown Plastics is helping those, helping others.

"This particular product is very well thought out and well designed. We've got a very vibrant manufacturing sector here in the county and Jamestown Plastics is one of our shining stars," said Mark Geise, Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency CEO.

Baker says he also donated a case to every hospital in New York City after the state Department of Health and mental hygiene rejected the shields because the strap wasn't elastic.

So, just how proud is Baker of what his company has been able to accomplish?

"OK, so, you're not allowed to ask that because I tear up. That's how proud I am," said Baker.