The frontline fighters against the coronavirus in Westmoreland County most certainly include medical professionals, first responders and other health care workers treating patients.

But workers at Latrobe-based Carclo Technical Plastics are quietly supporting their efforts through the manufacturing of tiny plastic collection tubes used around the globe in coronavirus testing kits.

Carclo operates two plants in the county, one in Latrobe and a small factory in Export. About 250 employees work 12-hour daily shifts to churn out the vital parts needed for the coronavirus testing kits, as well as other needed medical supplies.

“For the run-of-the-mill customer, nine out of 10 people don’t see our product in the real world, so this has definitely given us an increased awareness and exposure to what we do,” said Rob Stutzman, the company’s divisional chief operating officer.

Carclo also makes automotive parts and electronic components at the local plants as well as in factories in New Hampshire, Arizona, Great Britain, China and the Czech Republic. The company last year made upwards of 1.5 billion parts for some of its products. Sales of parts for the company’s coronavirus test kits are up 40% so far this year, Stutzman said.

The company also manufactures plastic parts for respirators and other breathing treatment devices, he said.

Stutzman said the demand led him to put out a help wanted sign for his local plants in Latrobe and Export, which are seeking about 20 additional workers to operate machines and to package and inspect the products.

Despite ongoing fear over the pandemic, work continues at the local plants.

“I can tell people are anxious and there’s fear there, but people are still coming to work to do their job,” Stutzman said.

Westmoreland County Commissioner Doug Chew praised Carclo’s staff and the company’s efforts to continue making the parts needed to ensure the frontline fighters have the tools needed to help counter the ongoing pandemic.

“I could not be more proud to say I’m from Westmoreland County, where my neighbors are making test kit components in the USA that will help us end this pandemic,” Chew said. “We have a long legacy of stepping up to the plate, and Carclo workers continue that proud tradition in 2020. These folks will be the heroes and patriots we remember for years to come.”

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