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PREA: Shower Curtains for Compliance and Prevention

[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

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

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

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!