FCA announced on March 23 that it will be producing face masks for first responders and health care workers managing the COVID-19 situation, with initial distribution going to the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
In a news release, the OEM said it would manufacture and donate more than 1 million protective face masks per month. Production will begin in the “coming weeks,” as FCA plans its production capacity.
“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,” said FCA. “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.”
The face masks will be donated to police, EMTs and firefighters, along with workers in hospitals and health care clinics. FCA said the move is part of a global program being developed by the company to support the global fight against COVID-19.
On March 27, FCA announced that it will expand its program to support coronavirus relief efforts, with a focus on two key areas: charities providing food services to children, and support for a range of technical, logistical and manufacturing programs (such as its repurposing of a plant to produce face masks).
“There has never been a more important moment to help children and their families with vital needs in our communities than during this time of great uncertainty,” said FCA CEO Mike Manley.
The company is working in partnership with non-profit organizations and foundations that are providing food to children until schools are open again. The OEM will provide more than 1 million meals to school children in and around its main manufacturing plants in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.
The program will eventually be extended nationwide in the U.S. and to Canada.
