Tag Archive: Made in USA

Barrier Curtains: Our New Normal

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As COVID-19 shut down many businesses across the globe, all sectors were forced to adapt and develop systems to safely open when they were able. One modification that has allowed businesses to safely serve their customers is using vinyl curtains, often clear, to serve as a physical barrier.  As a leader in USAmade curtain manufacturing, Gary Manufacturing has become a go-to source for innovative ways to produce clear vinyl curtains that may be hung in a variety of settings.

Restaurants, schools, and business settings use our clear barrier curtains to divide spaces and restrict the transmission of virus containing respiratory droplets and particles. Utilizing these curtains adds a measure of safety for both patrons and staff. A large clear vinyl barrier curtain allows any space to be divided enough to provide safety while also allowing visibility. Our 6-gauge crystal clear vinyl makes for an inexpensive solution to many businesses facing closure if they cannot find ways to adjust during this time.

Hospitals and institutional settings use our opaque barrier curtains to provide privacy between patients, allowing them to feel safe and comfortable. Our Sure-Chek Linen by Herculite is the perfect material for this as it already offers antibacterial and antimicrobial protection. Gary Manufacturing stocks six colors of the Sure-Chek Linen allowing for coordination with any color scheme.

Barrier curtains are being used in a variety of industries; however, these businesses still need meet building codes for safety. Our vinyl curtains are inherently fire retardant, making them an excellent choice for safe reopening.

Other locations prefer to offer fabric instead of vinyl.  Gary Manufacturing also offers multiple fabrics that will fit your needs: 210 Denier Nylon, Poplin, and Premier fabrics are excellent choices to create physical barriers and come in a variety of colors.

Now as the COVID vaccine becomes more available, many states are scaling back their lockdown restrictions. More businesses are opening their doors and need to find products to help them create safe spaces while still meeting local and federal safety regulations. Gary Manufacturing barrier curtains are the perfect solution to keep everyone safe and assist with the reopening of many businesses starting their new normal.

Call us at 1-800-775-0804 or email sales@garymanufacturing.com for a free quote today!

 

PREA: Shower Curtains for Compliance and Prevention

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[Trigger Warning: Mention of Rape]

Gary Manufacturing is always looking for ways to innovate products of all types across many industries. For many years we have produced shower curtains for the Department of Corrections that gives institutions another tool to protect those in their care from a deeply troubling yet commonly occurring issue.

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) was passed by Congress to “provide for the analysis of the incidence and effects of prison rape in federal, state, and local institutions and to provide information, resources, recommendations and funding to protect individuals from prison rape.” (Prison Rape Elimination Act, 2003.)

For a shower curtain to meet PREA standards it needs to allow staff to see what is happening in each shower stall, while still offering the inmate their privacy. Gary Manufacturing offers many different solutions to our institutional customers to meet PREA regulations.

Clear vinyl windows are an unmatched solution for many facilities that need to meet PREA standards. The benefits of clear vinyl windows when pairing them with a solid vinyl means you can offer the inmate privacy in the shower while still allowing the staff to see what is happening above the shoulder and below the knee. This greatly reduces the opportunity for any dangerous activity.

Many institutions pair the clear vinyl window and solid vinyl with a mesh heading. Our mesh meets the standard of allowing the staff to see what is happening above the shoulder with the additional benefit of allowing air to circulate and steam to escape.

At Gary Manufacturing we offer a standard window sizing of 17 inches but can customize to meet the needs of each shower room configuration.

While not necessary for PREA, many institutions also need to meet breakaway regulations so the inmate cannot hurt themselves. Gary Manufacturing provides two different solutions to meet this need: Fold-over and Velcro.

Our fold-over breakaway shower curtains are constructed to fold over the curtain rod and attach to themselves using either snaps or, more commonly, Velcro. This solution allows for durable strength but will still give way if heavy force is used and eliminates the need for metal grommets and hooks.

Our Velcro breakaway shower curtains are simpler in that there is a strip of Velcro along the top of the shower curtain that would attach to a system the facility has in place or directly to the wall or ceiling. We also offer Velcro slider tabs that will insert into a track system. This solution is the most popular among many facilities as it offers a quick release of the curtain should the need arise.

Gary Manufacturing is proud to be part of the community that uses our resources to help offer solutions for these avoidable tragedies. We offer high-quality products with low minimums. Our quick turnaround time can get your institution outfitted with shower curtains meeting PREA standards in less than a month.

Call us at 1-800-775-0804 or email sales@garymanufacturing.com for a free quote today!

For more information on PREA check out the National PREA Resource Center at https://www.prearesourcecenter.org/

 

 

Custom Nylon Bags; Made in America

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Gary Manufacturing produces custom sales rep and promotional bags for corporations, professionals, and individuals alike.  We produce high-quality nylon bags using advanced technology and equipment.  With low minimum order quantities and quick turn-around times, we will exceed your expectations with durable, fully customizable bags that fit your needs!

Located in Southern California, we proudly offer 100% American-made products with competitive pricing.  Gary Manufacturing is your one-stop source for all non-consumer, industrial, custom bags.

Our development process is easy and fun.  We design and sew in-house, with most orders being completed in just weeks.  We listen to your needs and request and then discuss the best options available.

Your logo can be added to any of our products using UV-direct print, silk-screen, or high-end embroidery.  The result is a long-lasting product designed specifically for you!

 

We can replicate your sample or offer prototype development.  Your bag can be made with an array of options making it perfect for your individual use.  Whether used daily, on the job or part of a marketing campaign we believe you should not have to compromise by using a poorly designed off-the-shelf bag.

Customizable Options:

  • Clear Windows, Pockets, or Compartments for Literature and Storage
  • Removable Padded Inserts or Dividers
  • Carry Handles or Shoulder Straps
  • 2 or 3-Way Zips
  • Reinforced Webbing for Heavy-Duty Bags
  • D-Rings, Swivel Hooks, Grommets, or Snaps
  • Buckles, Cord Locks, Velcro Straps
  • Top-Stitch Detail, Binding, or Special Seams

Nylon polyester is a limitless material.  It is lightweight, durable, and flexible, making it an excellent choice for custom bags.  Gary Manufacturing offers several types of nylon to meet your specific requirements.

  • 200 Denier Nylon Oxford: Soft nylon, commonly used as an inner lining or soft-sided promotional bag.
  • 400 Denier Nylon Pack-Cloth: Medium-weight nylon, well suited for custom bags and passes RoHS compliances.
  • 600/300 Denier Nylon: Ideal for outer shell, PVC-coated for extra-durability.
  • 1000 Denier Nylon: Heavy-duty and extremely tough. Perfect for bags that need to stand up to heavy-duty use.

Nylon Features:

  • 100% Polyester
  • Flame Resistant and CPSIA Compliant
  • Water repellent
  • Stain and Odor Resistant
  • Variety of colors available
  • Accepts Embroidery, UV Direct, and Silkscreen Print
  • Commercial-grade materials

Custom bags are not just for sales reps.  We have created custom bags for a variety of applications including:

  • Sample or Bags
  • Corporate Promotional Giveaways
  • Shoulder Bags, Hip-Bags, and Backpacks
  • Transportation Bags
  • Electronic Protection Bags
  • Soft Cases
  • Roll-up Tool Pouches and Cases

Our aim is your complete satisfaction.  Consider us your personal resource to help achieve your business and project goals.

Call us at 1-800-775-0804 or email sales@garymanufacturing.com for a free quote today!

Frequently Asked Questions – Custom Covers and Bags

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Eyesys Cover

Gary Manufacturing supplies a variety of custom bags and covers. Customers range in size from small businesses and startups to large hospitality, medical, and commercial corporations.

Our custom covers and bags are manufactured to the highest industry standards. Gary Manufacturing is known for our consistent quality, fast-turnaround, and excellent customer service.

 

Q: What are your capabilities?

A: We produce a variety of non-consumer, industrial-type products, including custom drop-on dust covers and padded bags to fit your exact specifications.

Q: Do you offer prototype development?

A: Yes, our production and administrative team can assist in developing prototypes.

Q: Can you reproduce a cover or bag I already have?

A: Yes, by providing a sample unit, the manufacturing process is more precise with shorter lead-times.

 Q: What materials do you offer?

A: We stock a variety of colors in our most popular nylon and vinyl materials, as well as specialty fabrics to meet your needs.

Q: Can I supply my own materials?

A: No, we work with our stock materials only.  We do not accept customer-supplied materials.

Q: Do you offer RoHS3, REACH or Prop 65 compliant materials?

A: Yes, several of our stock materials meet these criteria.

Q: Do you have MOQs?

A: Yes, depending on the custom item, minimums can be from 12-48 units.

Q: What is your process for production?

A: Our standard process is to create a sample unit and then produce a full order once the fit is approved.

Q: How long does it take to produce a sample unit?

A: Sample units take about 5-10 working days for production.

Q: How long does it take for a production run?

A: Production runs take about 4-6 weeks; add 2 more for logo branding.

Q: Do you offer logo branding?

A: Yes, we offer Embroidery, Silk-Screen Printing, or UV Direct Printing.

Q: What are your artwork file requirements?

A: Art files must be submitted in vector format with size and colors specified.

Q: Do you retain patterns and art files for future orders?

A: Yes, all files are kept secure at our factory in National City.

Q: Do you have stock of pre-made covers or bags?

A: No, all custom projects are made-to-order.

 

Call us at 1-800-775-0804 or email sales@garymanufacturing.com for a free quote today!

Shower Curtains that Perform for Behavioral Health Facilities

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Gary Manufacturing understands that the needs for suitable shower curtains in behavioral health centers are varied. Privacy, safety, and durability are among the top needs noted for this specialty setting. Gary Manufacturing offers many different options to meet these needs. A combination of our Sure-Chek Linen vinyl, breathable mesh, and breakaway options fulfill many of these needs and allow us to make the perfect solution for all facilities.

One of our customers, a behavioral health center in the United States, contacted us earlier this year with a specific set of needs. After a brief discussion of their specific needs, we were able to come up with the perfect solution for them.

The first requirement this facility had was that it needs a material that is anti-microbial to limit bacteria transmission from person to person. We offered Sure-Chek Linen, a material that has a controlled release system that continually sends the antimicrobial agent to the fabric surface. This built-in protection lasts the life of the fabric and is a perfect solution to this requirement.

Another important requirement for a behavioral center is a shower curtain that is flame resistant. Sure-Chek® fabrics are NFPA 701 certified to resist combustion and will self-extinguish when the source of flame is removed.

Heavy use areas in behavioral centers, prisons, hospitals, schools, and gyms need a durable solution to make sure the shower curtains can handle excessive use. Sure-Chek® fabrics are incredibly strong, withstanding severe wear and use. Extra strength and tear resistance mean extended curtain life, ensuring a cost-effective solution for such an industrial setting.

In behavioral centers, the safety of the patient is of the utmost importance. Using our breakaway Velcro or snap options, patients are unable to harm themselves. This extra protection offers peace of mind to the facilitators as well as meets anti-ligature requirements. Mesh fabric at the top of shower curtains allows the staff to see what the patient is doing while maintaining privacy for the patient. The combination of our mesh fabric and windows allow us to meet PREA requirements many facilities have in place.

Millions of people in the United States are in a facility where they are cared for by staff. Our custom shower curtains are made with patient safety as the number one priority. Our Sure-Chek Linen, mesh option, and breakaway headers make for a winning solution to a variety of concerns. We can help!

Call us at 1-800-775-0804 or email sales@garymanufacturing.com for a free quote today!

Surviving 2020; Being an Essential Business During a Global Pandemic

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“There were times when we didn’t know if we were going to be able to weather this, but it has been interesting to see the business flex and shift where we need to, to keep ourselves viable.” – Andrea Beagle, Office Manager.

2020 has been a challenging year for everyone, Gary Manufacturing included. Learning that we are among a few lucky businesses’s considered to be essential, Gary Manufacturing is navigating the COVID waters and striving to come out on the other side with strengths we didn’t know we had prior to this year.

March 19, 2020, was the day California Governor Newsom announced a state-wide shutdown, restricting all non-essential businesses to close in an attempt to fight the rapid growth of COVID-19. That evening the management staff had to make phone calls to all employees that the company would remain closed for an unforeseen amount of time.

After being closed for one business day, several key essential customers requested that we stay open as we were one of their essential suppliers. The team at Gary was thrilled to be considered an essential business. Being able to bring employees back to work immediately was a great source of pride for us, however, it felt risky not knowing what was coming next.

First order of business was safety. Shifting from a close-knit group to a more individualized setting was a hard, but necessary change for the Gary staff to make. In addition to splitting lunch and break shifts, we created clear barriers and socially distanced workstations. Daily temperature and welfare checks were implemented in the mornings before reporting to work.

There have been many difficulties along the way but maintaining employee safety has been the main priority. Not all employees felt comfortable returning to work right away. Temporary workers were hired and trained. Extra communication with customers was needed to be able to produce essential products in a timely manner. Gary Manufacturing has been building strong relationships with both clients and vendors for many years. During this time, we have relied heavily on those relationships to see us through.

From a Human Resources point of view, navigating constant changes in regulations and staying compliant has been one of the hardest parts of the year. At the start of the pandemic, no one really knew what was going to happen. Federal guidelines have changed many times, keeping up with that no easy task, but as an essential business, it was now our job to make sure we could safely remain open.

Even though it has been a struggle, there have been many positives for the business. Gary Manufacturing has learned that it was more adaptable than we ever knew. Being able to end the year with the doors open and to provide a stable job for her employees has been Kerri Smith’s, General Manager, proudest accomplishment of 2020.

Gary has been able to adapt both internally with staff and externally in their product offerings. Utilizing technology for virtual meetings, working from home when possible, and reducing contact with others on-site has been imperative to stay safe.

Gary Manufacturing evolved our shower curtain line to include barrier curtains for pop-up hospitals, restaurants, or anywhere that needs to offer protective barriers between people.

Since learning of its essentiality, Gary Manufacturing is looking forward to continuing growth in these essential sectors of the economy:

  • Medical
  • Technology
  • Transportation          
  • Communication
  • Sanitation
  • Construction

Gary Manufacturing recognizes that very few businesses have been lucky enough to remain open during COVID and is thankful for the continued support of our customers and the hard work of the staff. We look forward to continuing to bring quality products and superior customer service in 2021 and beyond.

GaryWear Active Brief; Developing an Essential Solution to a Universal Problem

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Over 25 million people in the United States have experienced incontinence at some time in their lives. Many of these people are leading busy, active lives when they suddenly have a difficult new problem to manage.

Incontinence can happen when you cough, laugh, sneeze, or jog. Bladder control problems are very common, especially among our growing senior population. It usually doesn’t cause major health problems but can be embarrassing and difficult to manage. Without proper treatment and quality incontinence products, it can diminish one’s dignity, confidence, and social function.

Gary Manufacturing has been producing quality incontinence products for 30 years. In 2011, Gary Manufacturing listened to our customers and created the GaryWear Active Brief to create a comfortable and discreet extra layer of protection — for confidence around the clock.

Recently I sat down with Gary Manufacturing’s General Manager, Kerri Smith, to learn more about the process of creating the Active Brief.

After more than a year of market research, the Gary team learned that many people with incontinence felt like they did not have a reliable solution for their incontinence issues that fit with their very active daily lives. The Active Brief was developed to provide security and take the onus out of needing to wear an absorbent product every day. These briefs look like regular underwear and offer security from leaks while performing everyday tasks such as going to the gym, the office, and running errands.

 

While all aspects of this project were produced in-house, Kerri and her team did hire outside services to create the perfect fit as well as assist with professional packaging and marketing materials.

Design, construction, and sizing was a huge factor in the Active Brief development. We learned that it was vital the elastic at the leg be a tight fit to make it a real solution to the leakage problem.

During the development of the Active Brief we accomplished two major goals that we set out to achieve; customer satisfaction and continued brand recognition.

The GaryWear Active Brief has helped our customers not to feel embarrassed for having a very normal medical condition. The product continues to receive 5-star reviews from users on a consistent basis.

Since the release of the Active Brief, Gary Manufacturing has solidified our brand awareness within the global incontinence community. In addition to distributors throughout the United States, Gary is sold worldwide with distributors in Germany, England and Australia.

If you, or someone you love, are ready to try the GaryWear Active Brief, please reach out to one of our distributors to place your order: https://www.garymanufacturing.com/our-distributors/

Gary Table Covers: How to Clean and Disinfect

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Gary Manufacturing has been offering custom vinyl table covers and fabric tablecloths for over 30 years. Here is a guide on how to clean and disinfect your covers based on what material you have ordered.  These instructions will help extend the life of your cover ensuring your space always looks and feels inviting and clean.

Vinyl Table Covers

We use quality vinyl’s that withstand heavy use. Your table cover is likely made from one of the following materials; Supreme, Titan, and Concept.  They are vinyl topped materials with a flannel or knit backing.

To remove ordinary dirt and smudges, use mild soap and warm water (non-abrasive cleaners only; 409 is good. Dr. Bronner’s castile soap is recommended).  Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth or towel.

Many stains can be removed with the following steps:

  • Use non-abrasive household cleaners such as Formula 409 or Fantastik with water and a soft cloth.
  • Use a solvent-type cleaner such as rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) liberally applied with a soft cloth. Dry area with another cloth, rinse with clean water and dry.
  • Use a small amount of strong active solvent cleaners such as nail polish remover (acetone/water) applied with a soft cloth.  The stain should be removed with six rubs.  If stain persists after 6 rubs, the stain has probably set, and may not be capable of being removed.  Please be aware that this method may damage the finish on your table cover.  We do not recommend using such harsh manners of cleaning our covers.

Fabric Tablecloths

We offer 2 choice materials for tablecloths, Premier and Poplin. Both are 100% polyester and stain-resistant.

Premier – Our premier fabric is spun polyester with a “cotton-like look and feel”.

Poplin – Our poplin fabric is a lightweight poly with a sheen.

For laundering purposes:

  • Wash in cold water
  • Tumble dry low, remove promptly
  • Use a cool iron for wrinkles

Stock Materials for Clear Vinyl Curtains

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Gary Manufacturing offers clear vinyl industrial curtains in a variety of different materials to fit the needs of your project. Here are 5 of the most versatile solutions we offer.  Our five most popular choices for clear vinyl include:

6g or 10g Crystal Clear PVC Film – A clear film that allows for full visibility and light penetration.

Recommended Uses: Shower curtains, windows in custom bags and covers, pockets on promotional chair caps, doors on rack covers, room dividers, and protective barriers.

 

 

 

Frosty Clear PVC Film – A partially opaque film that allows for light penetration and some visibility.

Recommended Uses:  Rack covers, shower curtains, and custom covers.

 

 

6g Clear Parquet – An embossed clear film that allows for visibility and light penetration while still maintaining some privacy.

Recommended Uses: Shower curtains.

 

 

 

 

 

12oz Clear Banna – A heavy duty supported frosty clear film with interior scrim that allows partial

light penetration and visibility.

Recommended Uses: Rack covers, custom covers, and custom bags.

 

 

Sure-Chek – A hospital-ready reinforced clear film with interior scrim that includes antimicrobial, anti-static, and flame-resistant properties.

Recommended Uses: Shower curtains, rack covers, cart covers, custom covers, and cubicle curtains.

 

 

 

 

Our vinyl curtains may include water-repellent, fire retardant, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. They are easy to maintain and come in different thicknesses. Customers can also choose between REACH-compliant or Prop 65-compliant vinyl varieties.

Call us today at 1-800-775-0804 or email sales@garymanufacturing.com to discuss your project with our expert sales team.

 

Safely Made in the USA; Gary Manufacturing Responds to COVID.

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As an essential manufacturing company supplying the medical, sanitation, technology and military industries, we have had the privilege of continuing to serve our customers through this unprecedented time.  As a response to the world-wide pandemic COVID19, Gary Manufacturing is following the CDC guidelines and has established a Seven-Point Safety Plan to ensure our workspace is a safe environment for all our valued staff members.

  • Employee Screenings – Every morning employees are screened before entering the building. Screening includes a respiratory questionnaire and temperature check.  Employees with respiratory symptoms or a fever over 100.0 are sent home.
  • Employee Training – We have regular meetings with staff to go over COVID symptoms and what precautions to take including wearing masks and practicing safe physical distancing. Signage in all areas of the factory to remind employees how to stay safe.
  • Mandatory Masks and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – As a sewing company we have had the luxury of producing our own cloth masks for all employees. Additionally, paper masks and latex gloves are available to all.
  • Physical Distancing – Markings have been placed on floor to keep employees 6 feet apart at the time clock and in the kitchen. Plastic partitions have been installed between workstations where 6ft separation was not physically possible. We have also shifted from one to two morning break periods and two lunch periods to minimize how many employees are using the facilities at the same time.
  • Enhanced Sanitation – All common areas are sanitized after each break and at the end of the day. Workstations are cleaned at a minimum once daily and always between uses by different employees. Our facility is cleaned by an outside company with hospital-grade cleaners once a week. Hand sanitizer has been placed at high-use areas to increase hand cleanliness and signage encouraging hand washing is throughout factory.
  • Air quality – Big bay doors are opened during business hours and fans are kept running to encourage air changeover in the facility.
  • Digital Innovations – We have moved all meetings to virtual platforms using current technology. To reduce the exchanging of paperwork we have established new protocols to utilize email wherever possible.

Gary Manufacturing has been in business for over 60 years.  At no time in the past have we faced such challenging times as we have faced in the last few months.  As a manufacturer we have always been acutely aware how important our production staff is to our business.  Now, more than ever we are focused on putting employees first on the priority list and are exceedingly grateful that we can weather another storm. Thank you to all our customers who have supported us during this difficult time, we are here for you and growing stronger every day.