When a global health pandemic hit the community Polar Shades Sun Control has served for 25 years, it didn’t hesitate to quickly pivot its business operation to meet the needs of that community in its time of crisis.
“In a matter of 48 hours, we were ready to produce personal protective equipment and assist local organizations that had minimal access to these supplies,” said Steve Mevius, president of Polar Shades.
The company reconfigured its manufacturing capabilities from the production of interior and exterior window shades to the production of personal protective equipment, and in only six months produced more than 600,000 medical gowns and 250,000 face masks. With the support of the City of Henderson and Mayor Debra March, Polar Shades was able to provide these needed supplies to the essential businesses and organizations – hospitals, nursing homes, fire departments and military bases – working to keep our community safe.
As a local, family-owned company, Polar Shades has deep roots in the community. To further help during the pandemic, its staff donated and provided supplies to many local organizations, including Dignity Health, Delmar Gardens Retirement and Assisted Living, the Henderson Fire Department, UNLV drive-thru testing site and Quick Care.
“We are incredibly loyal to this community for helping us grow and succeed over the years, and we take great pride in giving back to our community whenever we can,” Mevius said.
Not only did the company’s efforts help the community in its time of need, they allowed Polar Shades to retain its workforce and expand to hire additional employees who suddenly found themselves out of work. Polar Shades will now continue to manufacture and offer PPE, including its revolutionary ViruShield, long-term as a new subdivision of Polar Shades.
“It is a part of our mission and core values to do our part in helping the community that has provided us so much support over the years,” Mevius said. “We feel blessed that we are able to help many different organizations through our company and having established a strong workforce with loyal employees and customers.”