Coca-Cola and Sheridan College team up to produce safety shields for c-stores

Coca-Cola is working with Sheridan College’s Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Design Technologies (CAMDT) to produce and distribute protective countertop shields for small businesses, including local convenience stores and restaurants hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative is designed to support and help business owners continue to operate while maintaining physical distancing measures.

The project came about when Coca-Cola spoke to their customers and realized that a number of smaller, local businesses did not have protective shields or or only had temporary solutions, thereby putting staff and customers at risk.

“Retailers and restaurants are working hard to ensure that Canadians can get the food, drinks and supplies they need during this challenging time,” Ron Soreanu, VP, public affairs & communications at Coca-Cola Ltd., said on the company’s website. “We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for many retailers and we wanted to help businesses that may be overwhelmed trying to keep their business running. Protective barriers between the cashier and the customer will give an extra layer of confidence to everyone during their shopping experience. And, we hope that this investment will enable Canadians to continue supporting their favourite local store or restaurant as our economy begins to re-open.”

Coca-Cola Ltd. is investing $75,000 to fund the purchase of materials and lead the project. Coke Canada Bottling is sourcing the locations and stores that need protective shields and will lead distribution and delivery.

Dave Bryans, president and CEO of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association, says his organization “has partnered with Coca-Cola and Sheridan College to supply safety shields to family run c-stores in Ontario. We will be installing these wonderful new shields in upwards of 100 Hasty Markets throughout the province ensuring the safety of our customers and employees. A big thanks to both Coca-Cola and Sheridan College.”

Sheridan College designed the prototype behind these shields and is using an alternative form of plastic, which is just a story as plexiglass, for which there are shortages across North America due to high demand in the wake of the pandemic.

Sheridan is manufacturing multiple designs to suit different countertop configurations for employees working at cash registers or takeout counters.

“Our dedicated team responds to industry needs in an agile way and puts Sheridan in a position to contribute to our communities efficiently and effectively,” Dr. Michelle Chrétien, director of CAMDT at Sheridan College, said in a statement. “We’re delighted to be supporting small business owners with a solution that helps facilitate safe interactions with customers.”