Alliant Energy news release

Free face shields delivered to Iowa schools; more still available

Alliant Energy and ISU Digital Manufacturing Lab partnering with Iowa companies to distribute 9,000 youth face shields

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – December 30, 2020 – 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.

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 CIRAS (Center for Industrial Research and Science) at Iowa State University. CIRAS worked with Angstrom Precision Molding in Ottumwa and The Dimensional Group in Mason City to manufacture the face shields and 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.”

To date, face shields have been delivered to the following school districts: Alta-Aurelia, BGM (Brooklyn-Guernsey-Malcom), Burlington, Creston, Fairfield, HLV (Hartwick-Ladora-Victor), Ogden, PCM (Prairie City-Monroe), Pekin, Sigourney and Webster City. Alliant Energy received input from the Iowa Department of Education to determine which schools could benefit from the shields.

“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 (TAP). “We thank Alliant Energy for the distribution assistance. This is another example of how Iowans come together to help others in time of need.”

Face shields are still available for schools and daycare facilities. Those interested in a delivery are asked to contact Nick Peterson from Alliant Energy at (515) 268-3411 or [email protected].

Last spring, Alliant Energy partnered with a team of Iowa State University students to manufacture and distribute face shields for Iowa hospitals and medical facilities. Those face shields were printed on 3D printers at Iowa State’s Computation and Construction Lab (CCL) within the College of Design.

The Digital Manufacturing Lab powered by Alliant Energy opened in September 2019 and provides Iowa manufacturers a place to experiment with new technologies that could improve their businesses.