First Ascent Manufacturing Medical Masks to Help Fight Covid-19

In what has certainly been a challenging past 11 days, not only for South Africa but for the entire world, the demand for medical masks has risen drastically as South African health services tackle the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

On the 24th of March, with the 21-day National Lockdown looming, First Ascent immediately opened discussions with various medical services and suppliers to find ways to assist in the manufacturing of face masks for medical personnel around the country.

After receiving certified mask fabric from an accredited medical supplier, the First Ascent Manufacturing Facility in Cape Town — typically used for producing locally made outdoor garments — was converted into an Essential Service Supplier. With the dedication of the First Ascent team, the factory has remained open throughout the lockdown period.

Production of the masks began immediately, as a skilled team of pattern makers, cutters, machinists, and packers assembled and worked tirelessly around the clock for the past 11 days, producing thousands of masks that were delivered to medical facilities across the country as they came off the production line.

As South Africa continues the fight against the spread of Covid-19, First Ascent will be ramping up mask production throughout the lockdown period and beyond. The company will continue to utilise its manufacturing facility and skilled workforce to explore additional ways to assist in the ongoing battle against Covid-19.

This article was originally posted on First Ascent’s website.