Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is used to making Alfa Romeos, Chryslers, Dodges, and Jeeps. Now, the company is transitioning to producing face masks in the wake of a call to action in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.
FCA has committed to manufacturing and donating more than 1 million protective face masks per month, starting in the coming weeks.
The company says that this action is the first in a global initiative that has been developed by the company to apply manufacturing, supply chain, and engineering expertise to support the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
“Protecting our first responders and health care workers has never been more important,” said Mike Manley, FCA CEO. “In addition to the support we are giving to increase the production of ventilators, we canvassed our contacts across the healthcare industry and it was very clear that there is an urgent and critical need for face masks. We’ve marshalled the resources of the FCA Group to focus immediately on installing production capacity for making masks and supporting those most in need on the front line of this pandemic.”
FCA has not confirmed exactly which facilities will be used for the manufacturing.
Distribution is slated to be to first responders and health care workers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The company will be working with national, regional, and city authorities to support distribution to ensure that the masks go to the people and families at highest risk for contamination.
