Elgin plexiglass shield maker ramps up production

ELGIN - An Elgin company said it made a pivot during the pandemic to increase production of its line of acrylic sneeze guards and plexiglass dividers, which help keep businesses, nursing homes and schools safe by reducing the spread of COVID-19 respiratory droplets.

Gemini Builds It! & Showcase Acrylics said it has sold its products to the Henrico County, Virginia, school district, one of the largest in that state; as well as grocery chains Whole Foods and Costco, to implement safety enclosures.

As schools across the country are poised to return to in-person learning in early 2021, the company expects more business and urges more districts to consider installing plexiglass dividers, said CEO and owner Courtney Wright.

"The cost to implement additional safety measures far outweigh the cost that mis-education can have on a student unable to return to the classroom, or a business that cannot reopen for customers," she said.

With 40-plus years of expertise, Gemini Builds It! is a leader in the framing, printing and display, molding and custom enclosure industry. It has expanded its offerings to personal protective equipment, volume sourcing and space customization, the company said.