Boxmark launching face mask production
Kidričevo, 23 March - Boxmark Leather, the Kidričevo-based maker of car upholstery, is about to launch production of protective face masks due to shortages experienced amid the coronavirus epidemic. The company's CEO Marjan Trobiš told the STA on Monday that production was expected to kick off around noon.
Kidričevo
Company Boxmark launching production of protective face masks.
Photo: Boxmark
Kidričevo
Company Boxmark launching production of protective face masks.
Photo: Boxmark
On Friday, Boxmark already received the necessary raw material and was hence ready to start producing much needed protective masks today.
However, the production will start pressing ahead at full steam on Tuesday after the company secures enough protective masks for its workforce.
Boxmark intends to produce between 40,000 and 45,000 masks per week or some 5,000 to 8,000 per day. The gear will be manufactured using machines by more than 130 seamstresses who have volunteered for the project.
Other production capacities in the company are to be suspended for the time being. Prior to the coronavirus crisis, Boxmark, mostly a maker of car but also aircraft upholstery, entered restructuring.
The majority of the 1,200-strong workforce are currently on furlough, while 200 were laid off in late February.
Other Slovenian companies have also shown willingness to produce face masks, one of the world's most coveted commodities at the moment - the Celje-based Prevent&Deloza plans to soon make between 30,000 and 40,000 washable masks, first supplying critical services but then also selling them in stores.