Co-Lin Metals Creates Custom Fabricated Mobile Metal Rack System in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

ROCKFORD, Ill., May 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Co-Lin Metals, a specialty metal fabricating shop in Northern Illinois, discovered a local hospital was in need of a resource to aid in the sterilization and safe reuse of PPE, specifically N95 masks, for front-line workers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

After a mask has been worn, it should be sterilized using ultraviolet (UV) light prior to being put back into use. The current sterilization and drying system at that hospital was inefficient, only capable of sterilizing a dozen masks at a time. An acquaintance of a front-line worker came to Co-Lin Metals with a vision of how the process could be improved. Starting with a preliminary schematic, Co-Lin engineered a prototype mobile rack system that accommodate up to 48 masks.

The prototype was tested for use at the hospital, and workers found that because of the efficient and mobile design, the rack could easily and quickly be loaded with large quantities of PPE masks, which could then undergo a 5-10 minute sterilization process per side by employing a UV-equipped robot, allowing the masks be safely returned to service.

"Our company excels at custom fabrication projects," stated Stephen Hedlund, president at Co-Lin Metals. "We are excited to have had the opportunity to make an impact in our community and to aid in the safety of our front-line workers."

Production of the mobile sterilization was efficient and took only a couple of weeks. Hedlund hopes to have a number of these systems in their inventory in the near future, which would allow minimal distribution time for orders. "We are ready to take orders now, and will be able to work with customers for shipping options and custom designs," added Hedlund.

About Co-Lin Metals
Co-Lin Metals is a full-service, family owned, custom fabricating shop serving the greater Rockford and Chicagoland area for over 55 years, with a high-level quality focus on each project.

As a specialty metal fabricating shop, Co-Lin excels at custom parts, stainless and custom weldments, and work with a wide range of materials. The company's custom fixturing table and highly-skilled fabricators enable them to get the job done efficiently and affordably.

SOURCE Co-Lin Metals