While the majority of companies in the Philadelphia area are being forced to let go of their employees, Montgomeryville-based Timberlane is adding workers amid the coronavirus pandemic, writes Joseph N. DiStefano for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The company has switched its production from architectural shutters to clear-plastic shields for medical workers, first responders, and coronavirus patients.

In addition to keeping its original 70 full-time employees busy, founder Rick Skidmore has added a second shift at the 78,000-square-foot plant and hired 250 new employees. Most of these are part-timers with many having been furloughed or laid off from other companies in Montgomery County.

Timberlane is advertising pay of $15 an hour and is considering adding a third shift.

The face-shields the company makes are listed at $198.50 for 50 on the company’s website. The buyers include Main Line Health and Abington Hospital-Jefferson Health, among many others.

However, Skidmore emphasized that he does not expect to turn a profit on the face shields. Instead, he is happy to be able to keep workers employed.

“We are trying to do our part in this crisis and we’re proud to contribute,” he said.

Read more about Timberlane at The Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.