German machinery and plant manufacturer Reifenhäuser Reicofil has temporarily converted two of its test plants to help boost face mask production.
The lines installed in the nonwovens technology centre, which are otherwise exclusively used for research and development as well as customer trials, have been producing meltblown material for the production of urgently needed face masks.
Dr Bernd Kunze, CEO of Reifenhäuser Reicofil, explains: “We wanted to provide support at short notice. We are therefore stepping in with the test plants in our pilot plant station. Not using this capacity now would be irresponsible, in our view.”
Until further notice, the meltblown lines will operate around the clock. Daily output is sufficient for up to one million face masks.
For Michael Maas, who is responsible for the test plant, this is not a problem: “Due to the pandemic, customer visits and tests have been cancelled, so plant and personnel capacities have been freed up anyway. Switching the plant from test to production operation therefore makes double sense”.
As no German or European producer for further processing could be found, the nonwoven fabric is sent to a Vietnamese manufacturer of face masks.
Dr Kunze explains that material for other medical protective clothing could also be produced at short notice: “We assume that protective suits, hoods, etc, will also become scarce. We are happy to offer our help here as well. One of our pilot lines can produce the corresponding material in the highest quality at short notice.”