AFPRO Filters is going to produce FFP2 masks en masse
Alkmaar, April 8, 2020 – In order to solve the shortage of face masks, the Dutch air filter manufacturer AFPRO will mass produce masks on its own soil on behalf of the government. Initially, this concerns 1 million face masks per week, also known as FFP2 face masks. Currently, there is an urgent shortage of protective equipment for health care workers and other high-risk professions. Production that is started up as quickly as possible should help solve the shortage. The government is responsible for the distribution and distribution of the FFP2 masks produced.
The Alkmaar company, which has three factories in China, was already closely involved in the supply and installation of air filters in two emergency hospitals in Wuhan during the outbreak of the virus in Wuhan province. When the virus reached Europe, the demand for advanced air filters grew. AFPRO, for example, has already installed specific air filter systems at emergency hospitals abroad.
Machine to the Netherlands
Two weeks ago, the call for protective equipment such as face masks became increasingly urgent. The shortage increasingly hinders the work of nursing and medical staff. The management of AFPRO then decided to produce FFP2 face masks in the Netherlands. In this way, these face masks can be made on home soil according to Dutch standards and delivered quickly. Initially it concerns the production of 1 million face masks per week. The intention is to further scale up production.
AFPRO Filters vice president Joost Verlaan: “Everywhere you hear that we can only overcome this virus if we do it together. That means do what you can. The following applies to everyone: stay at home and keep your distance. For us it also means produce and deliver! We are happy that we can support the government and the emergency medical services with this.”
Tested by government
The face masks produced are first tested by the Reinier de Graaf Hospital in Delft in consultation with and on behalf of the Dutch government and are initially only available to healthcare personnel.