Alliant Energy and Iowa State University’s Digital Manufacturing Lab are partnering with two Iowa companies to provide 9,000 free face shields to schools and daycare facilities across the state.

The Digital Manufacturing Lab is powered by Alliant Energy, and it provides Iowa manufacturers a place to experiment with new technologies that could improve their businesses.

Face shields, unlike face masks, let instructors see a child’s mouth when speaking, allowing for improved communication. These shields are specifically made for youth and fit on the bill of a hat. They can easily be trimmed to fit any size of head.

Alliant Energy has started delivering the face shields that were developed, produced, and donated by the Digital Manufacturing Lab, part of the Center for Industrial Research and Science (CIRAS) at Iowa State University. CIRAS worked with Angstrom Precision Molding in Ottumwa and with The Dimensional Group in Mason City to manufacture the face shields and to fill the need for personal protective equipment for youth.

“By keeping kids safe and partnering with Iowa companies to create the shields, we are supporting our customers and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Nick Peterson, Community Outreach Manager at Alliant Energy. “Thank you to CIRAS for producing and donating the shields to help protect children while also benefitting the Iowa economy. This is an innovative example of Iowans stepping up to help fellow Iowans.”

“CIRAS is proud to be part of another effort to support our state during COVID-19,” said Chris Hill, Director of the CIRAS Technology Assistance Program. “We thank Alliant Energy for the distribution assistance. This is another example of how Iowans come together to help others in time of need.”

This is not the first time that Alliant Energy has provided face shields during the pandemic. Last spring, the company partnered with Iowa State University students to manufacture and distribute face shields to medical professionals in Iowa.

EEI’s member companies are committed to supporting the customers and communities they are proud to serve. To read more about charitable contributions made by electric companies during the pandemic, read this article in the May/June 2020 issue of Electric Perspectives.

Tags : Innovative Partnerships, People In Power, All