On Aug. 4, United Sewing Automation announced a new automated manufacturing facility in Mount Airy, North Carolina, dedicated to making surgical-grade face masks. To help meet PPE demand, the new facility can produce up to 1.5 million disposable masks per week, each made from materials sourced from the United States.
United Sewing’s CEO, Ben Webb, is also the president of Fish Hippie, a company specializing in men’s coastal themed apparel. When the coronavirus pandemic hit, and a lack of quality imported PPE threatened frontline workers, Webb sprung into action.
He carved out 12,000 square feet at his Fish Hippie manufacturing facility in North Carolina, upfitted it with nine automated, ultrasonic welding, mask-making machines, and founded United Sewing while creating more than 35 jobs in the process. More machines are on the way, and the company is still hiring.
According to a company spokesperson, United Sewing’s ownership team funded the startup investment.
The facemasks feature a three-ply design with a built-in adjustable nose bridge and earloop straps made of nylon and elastic cord, which provides a better fit than traditional disposable masks.
"We believe that Americans deserve the highest quality facemask protection, and we are committed to providing them to America’s families,” says Webb. "Our goal is to provide a mask for every face in America every time one is needed.”
According to Webb, United Sewing’s masks will not be available for export until the pandemic is over.
