The RDI Group, an Itasca, Illinois-based company that specializes in the design and manufacture of industrial systems, reported it is manufacturing specialized machinery required to make flat masks.

RDI said it is offering the automation to U.S. manufacturers to help end the mask shortage and revive U.S. capability and capacity, to produce masks via a 100-percent domestic supply chain.

As a result of COVID-19, the critical need for these masks has exponentially grown, and The RDI Group is providing high-performance mask making production equipment to meet industry demands, company officials said. RDI was looking for a long-term solution in their response during this global crisis, by utilizing its machinery building skills, highly skilled engineers and industry partners to engineer production automation for flat masks.

“The gap in U.S. mask production needs urgent attention and our team worked tirelessly to engineer and build an automated solution for mask production,” said Curtis Maas, Chairman and CEO.

According to company officials more than 25 engineers, operations and manufacturing team members were brought together for this process. In addition to the automation required, key partners were integral to helping RDI create solutions for the entire supply chain and provide needed expertise in raw materials and filter media, medical requirements, mask design and production.

The fully automated flat mask production equipment manufactured by The RDI Group will produce 3-ply, 3 or 4-pleat ear loop masks. Equipment will be manufactured and tested in their factory just outside of Chicago and offered to new and current manufacturers of flat masks.

Phase 1 will include production capabilities of 60-100 masks per minute with future developments to include higher production rates and other mask varieties.