Before the lockdown is lifted: prevention products for hygiene and distance are high on the agenda
Switzerland is preparing for the gradual phase-out of the lockdown. Major challenge: Stores and employers must present a clear concept of how customers and employees can be protected.
Hygiene masks purchased? Disinfectants available? Protective measures set up for employees and customers? These are the questions currently being addressed by many companies in Switzerland that will soon be allowed to reopen for business. Accordingly, there is also a high demand for products and solutions that will enable the lockdown to be gradually lifted while complying with the hygiene regulations of the FOPH. The Swiss family-owned company Westiform, for example, has adapted its product range - as have other service providers - and now offers prevention products for supermarkets, gas stations, banks, insurance companies, doctors' offices, pharmacies and drugstores, the catering industry, courts, and numerous office workplaces, among others.
Be prepared for the lockdown to be lifted
The latest addition to the range is disinfection steles for contactless hand disinfection. On the one hand, these take account of the public's continuing need for hygiene; on the other, the steles can be placed at the point of sale as effective branding elements or advertising media with a digital screen or analog advertising space. Another additional module is automatic access controls to regulate the number of people on the store floor. "We had to develop the contactless disinfection sensor system ourselves in a very short time, because sensor dispensers are sold out for months," says Simone Bächle, Managing Director of Westiform AG. The extra-large disinfectant tank, with a capacity of up to 5 liters, enables longer refill intervals. The disinfectant can be freely selected. For customers who are interested in an all-round carefree package, the company offers an optional regular supply of disinfectant.
Virus protection disc also for open plan offices
The managing director of the illuminated advertising and digital signage company could not have imagined the rather unusual expansion of the product range a few weeks ago. After the catalog of measures became known and the associated consequences for current and planned projects, as well as project postponements due to investment stops, Westiform adapted to the changed requirements of the market. "We asked ourselves how we could help our customers in the crisis and decided to take active action", Simone Bächle continues. Initially, the idea arose to produce a virus protection disk made of plastic, in order to protect the employees of system-relevant companies, such as supermarkets, pharmacies, medical practices, gas stations, etc., from droplet infection. The laser machine, which is otherwise used for the production of illuminated signs, now mainly lasers discs, because the demand is enormous. Meanwhile, Westiform also offers versions for offices to separate workstations, in addition to the spit shield for cash registers and counter areas. "Our virus protection pane is sufficiently large, completely transparent and thus creates a physical but not a visual barrier," explains Simone Bächle. Thinking about droplet infection protection quickly led her company to another "Physical Distancing" product: 95° washable cotton mouth/nose masks. These are handmade, in the colors and design of the customer's choice. They are created on sewing machines in Switzerland and Germany.
Visual communication with protection factor
It can be assumed that protective measures will be necessary for a long time to come. The way back to "normality" will be linked to a series of precautionary measures. "The issues of distance and hygiene will occupy us for a long time, which is why investment in long-term protective measures makes sense," emphasizes Bächle, who naturally also sees great opportunities for her new business field. Westiform is proud to be able to make a contribution in this way in the fight against Corona, and thus for society and at the same time for the continued existence of the family company, the Managing Director continues. So far, the company has been able to do without short-time work thanks to the new offer.
Source: Westiform AG
