ST. LOUIS – Spartech, a leading manufacturer of engineered thermoplastics and custom packaging, has pivoted production at its Paulding, OH, plant to plexiglass to meet increased demand due to the coronavirus. The company also has plans to immediately hire more than 20 new full-time employees. Spartech has 15 manufacturing facilities in the United States including three in Ohio.

The company's Paulding plant normally produces various thermoplastic polymer and high impact polystyrene materials, not clear acrylic (plexiglass). But in the “new normal,” the Paulding team nimbly shifted to producing plexiglass, which is used for sneeze guards and other clear protective barriers at grocery stores, retail outlets, schools and municipalities.

The plant has already converted two production lines for plexiglass and are in the process of converting at least one more line. In the meantime, business continues to accelerate. In fact, just since this program started two weeks ago, the plant has produced enough material to equip over 4,000 grocery store cashier lines.

While the plant is looking to add new employees, that number could eventually climb to 40. Candidates with experience operating industrial equipment are encouraged to apply. Hourly starting pay ranges from $14 to $22 depending on the position and experience. Spartech’s Paulding plant operates on four shifts: two daytime and two night..

Spartech, which was designated as an essential business, conducts daily healthcare screenings for employees upon entering all of its plants. All employees have their temperatures taken before entering a facility, maintains an emphasis on social distancing, and must wear face masks. In addition, the plant has a rigorous disinfection program throughout the building.