As the number of cases of COVID-19 around the nation (and the world) increase dramatically, some companies are responding by repurposing their existing facilities. Distilleries and perfumeries are temporarily making hand sanitizer, while fashion designers like Christian Siriano are working on increasing the number of face masks in production. At a time when shortages of the very things people need to impede the spread of the coronavirus abound, these companies are all doing important work to lead to a healthier tomorrow.
Now, those efforts have been joined — in a big way — by Brooks Brothers. The New York Post reports that the storied clothing manufacturer has begun production in a trio of facilities and has set an ambitious target.
The heritage brand has converted its New York, North Carolina and Massachusetts factories to produce the medical gear. Employees will return to their jobs this week (following a two-week precautionary self-quarantine) with a goal of turning out 150,000 masks per day. Gown production is also expected to begin shortly.
According to the article, Brooks Brothers has been in contact with state and federal authorities in order to best distribute the masks and gowns. The company has touted this maneuver as being in keeping with a long tradition. Their website notes that they made military uniforms for over a century, including for soldiers from New York who fought in the Civil War.
Brooks Brothers’ decision to start production of face masks and gowns is an impressive addition to the array of companies stepping up to do their part to address this crisis. Hopefully some of their colleagues will follow suit.
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