Seating and e-systems supplier Lear Corporation said it had added capacity at its AccuMED production facility, which specialises in the manufacturing of medical products, to produce protective masks to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Donations of masks were made recently to the Detroit Medical Center, the largest health care provider in southeast Michigan, and the City of Detroit for use by the police and fire departments.

"We are proud to support pandemic relief efforts in the communities where we live and work," said Lear president and CEO Ray Scott.

"Protecting hospital staff and public safety officers has never been more important as they continue to go to work every day during this crisis to help others in need."

In February, the supplier's Mocksville, North Carolina, facility designed a face mask in response to a shortage of personal protective equipment in China.

It next added production capacity for masks in less than 72 hours.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

With cases of COVID-19 rising in other areas of the world, the operation has expanded from three production lines to seven, and now employs 200 people. Total capacity is 25,000 units per day, based on availability of raw materials.

In addition to the donations made recently in Detroit, masks have been delivered to other global locations based on the employee and community need for personal protective equipment.

Lear is also moving to start production at plants in Mexico and Europe to manufacture protective masks. Once fully operational, it will have dedicated about 1,200 workers and will have the daily global capacity to produce 125,000 masks for local communities.

Mocksville also is currently designing and developing full face shield visors for production to support the health care response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are committed to making donations of personal protective equipment until this situation improves," Scott added.