VPI is now making face shields in addition to hand sanitiser – and you can help

VPI is now making face shields in addition to hand sanitiser – and you can help
(Image credit: VPI)

It's only eight days since New Jersey turntable firm VPI downed tools on its high-end decks in order to manufacture and distribute free hand sanitiser to locals – and 25 days since it announced the deliciously lavish VPI Vanquish

That deck is just one of the models no longer in current production, however, as the family-run company is now dedicating all of its manufacturing efforts towards fighting COVID-19. 

In addition to hand sanitiser, VPI is now making face shields, intubator hoods (pictured top) and 3D printed parts for ventilators. And you can donate to help, if you like.

(Image credit: VPI)

In a press release, VPI explains the production behind its face shields. "The team took the clear plastic covers from VPI brochures to use as visors and then applied packaging foam as forehead strips. Ingeniously, VPI’s designers have used turntable drive belts as headbands. Over 100 face masks have been delivered to local hospitals," it states.

The firm has also turned to its local 3D printing partner (VPI turntables are renowned for their 3D-printed tonearms) to create specialist parts for hospital ventilators. VPI president Mat Weisfeld appealed to his suppliers for help in providing the clear plastic that is necessary for making intubation hoods but currently in short supply. His appeal was successful and the clear plastic he received allowed VPI to create intubation hoods for local hospitals.

(Image credit: VPI)

While VPI is providing these items free of charge, and plans to continue doing so as long as possible, it is also accepting donations that will go towards the expenses of the making and distributing of 30ml hand sanitiser, face shields, aerosol boxes and intubation hoods. 

"Donations are not necessary but greatly appreciated in our fight together against COVID-19," the company website reads.

On Sunday, VPI reassured Facebook followers looking to help that "the best answer is to stay home and listen to your VPI table!" And we have to say we agree.

MORE: 

8 brilliant albums recorded in self-isolation

10 of the best-sounding vinyl records

10 of the best musical soundtracks to test your speakers

Becky has been a full-time staff writer at What Hi-Fi? since March 2019. Prior to gaining her MA in Journalism in 2018, she freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 20-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist – any love of dance is of course tethered to a love of music. Becky has previously contributed to Stuff, FourFourTwo, This is Cabaret and The Stage. When not writing, she dances, spins in the air, drinks coffee, watches football or surfs in Cornwall with her other half – a football writer whose talent knows no bounds. 

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