Page 14 - ETP-April-May2020

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

Mondi to produce one million surgical face masks

ondi is set to build new production capability of all
Mproduction lines in its substantial components posi-
plant in Gronau, Germany, to tions us to build up a long-term
produce melt blown nonwoven competitive local supply. Once
fabric and surgical face masks. up and running, we will be able
This is part of Mondi’s efforts to produce more than one mil-
to mitigate the spread of COV- lion face masks per day.” said
ID-19 and respond to increased Jürgen Schneider, Managing
demand by health authorities, Director, Mondi Personal Care
businesses and consumers for Components (PCC). The pro-
face masks. Mondi Gronau has duction lines will produce melt
a proven track record of produc- blown nonwoven fabric and
ing and handling films, laminates, creased production of face masks surgical masks. Given the shortage
nonwovens and elastic ear laminates and melt blown nonwoven fabric of melt blown fabric in the market
for hygiene products. This knowl- in Gronau. Our people have the place, Mondi´s plant in Gronau will
edge will be applied to the entire needed know-how and expertise on offer approximately 50 percent of its
value chain of face mask production. working with these materials and the production to other face mask man-
“We are well positioned for the in- technology required. The in-house ufacturers in Europe.

Light-weight specialist Yajima opens US HQ Groupe Renault
acquires mask
ajima Industry Company Ltd., with specialty in lightweight automotive
Yand aerospace products and components and supplier to Subaru of Indiana production line
Automotive Inc., announces the establishment of Yajima USA, located in the roupe Renault has announced
Purdue Research Park in West Lafayette. Yajima specializes in the production Gthe acquisition of a mask pro-
of sheet metal pressed products using an integrated system from product design duction line to meet its needs and
to production, including the die guarantee the health and safety of
design and its production within its employees on its sites and in its
the group of Yajima Industry, commercial network in Europe (in-
which are the strengths of the dustrial and tertiary sites, and the
company. Yajima also provides Renault and private dealership net-
special products and components work). This production unit will
to the motorsports aftermarket be located at the Renault plant in
by making use of its technology Flins (France) and will start produc-
to design and produce innova- tion next July. It will be capable of
tive, lightweight automotive and designing up to 1.5 million surgical
aerospace parts. “The founding masks per week. By equipping it-
of Yajima USA in the Purdue Research Park and its association with Purdue’s self with a French-technology mask
Composites Manufacturing Simulation Center is another example of the success production line, the Group intends
The Economic Times POLYMERS | April-May 2020
of the Purdue Research Foundation’s efforts to bring high-technology companies to implement a long-term solution
to Indiana to promote the economic vitality of the state of Indiana and the re- to secure its supplies, cope with the
gion,” said Brian Edelman, president of the Purdue Research Foundation. risks of shortages, delays and price
inflation, and thus help to reduce the
Open collaborative platform UNITE4COVID launched strong pressure of demand on this
market. All the machines and mate-
oyal DSM has announced the launch of UNITE4COVID, a digital, open, rials used for manufacturing will be
Rcollaborative marketplace designed to provide solutions for healthcare pro- of French or European origin. About
fessionals, as well as a forum and collaboration hub for inventors, manufacturers twenty employees will be trained in
and certification labs in the fight against corona. In response to the COVID-19 June by the manufacturer of the pro-
pandemic, the manufacturing industry continues to provide help to relieve the duction unit to be assigned to this
urgent need for personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safety equip- mask manufacturing area. The line
ment. From materials to production, manufacturers are coming together to help will comply with the Group’s safety
relieve the urgent need for medical supplies, equipment and replacement parts. standards and the masks produced
To connect those who wish to help with those who seek help, DSM has launched will be certified in accordance with
a digital platform, UNITE4COVID.org. current standards.

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