Detroit Sewn Retools to Produce Medical Masks in Pontiac, Michigan
04/03/2020
By adding a second shift, acquiring four more high-production sewing machines and outsourcing work to seven additional Detroit-based subcontractors, Detroit Sewn hopes to create 50,000 masks a week by April 6. They are producing 10,000 masks a week now.
"We started with one order for 50,000 masks and the phone kept ringing from all over the country," said Karen Buscemi, CEO, Detroit Sewn. "We're now looking at making 300,000 masks and the number keeps growing. We've expanded into the office next door and are looking for additional nearby office space for the additional machines and staff."
In addition, Detroit Sewn and Glamorous Moms Foundation have also organized a volunteer hub to accept homemade masks. They are packaging the work of home sewers in 10-packs for free distribution to non-hospital groups such as senior centers, soup kitchens and first responders upon request. The masks are distributed curbside by volunteers in proper safety gear.
According to company officials, a third component of the project is being launched by G1 Impact, a 501(c)3non-profit fiscal sponsor, to acquire machinery to make KN95 masks in the United States and to purchase N95 masks in bulk from China. The goal is to bolster the US supply of medical PPE and provide jobs for American workers.
G1 Impact said it is grateful to The Skillman Foundation which has stepped up to lead funding for the volunteer mask effort to ensure that masks are provided to essential and impacted COVID-19 frontline nonprofits. Other funders for the multi-tier effort are Detroit Area Honda Dealers, Dow Employees Credit Union, Mandell and Madeleine Berman Foundation, Charles J. Strosacker Foundation, Oakland University, Welding Concepts Training, and Dominion Real Estate Advisors.
Project Announcements
Walinga USA Expands Wayland, Michigan, Operations
12/01/2023
Amkor Technology Plans Peoria, Arizona, Advanced Packaging-Test Facility
12/01/2023
Dai Nippon Printing Plans Linwood, North Carolina, Lithium-ion Manufacturing Operations
11/29/2023
Axle Logistics Expands Knoxville, Tennessee, Operations
11/29/2023
EquipmentShare Establishes Moberly, Missouri, Operations
11/29/2023
IronLink Logistics Plans Ladson, South Carolina, Operations Hub
11/24/2023
Most Read
-
2023 Top States for Doing Business Meet the Needs of Site Selectors
Q3 2023
-
The Rise of Mid-Size U.S. Cities: The Industrial Development Boom
Q3 2023
-
Front Line: Brownfields Offer Redevelopment Opportunities
Q4 2023
-
2023 Top States Commentary: Top-Ranked States Have What It Takes to Win Mega Projects
Q3 2023
-
37th Annual Corporate Survey: Economic Pressures Exerting Greatest Effect on Decision-Makers
Q1 2023
-
Immigration: A Potential Fix for Labor Shortages?
Workforce Q4 2023
-
2023 Top States Workforce Development Programs
Q3 2023