FCA China triples production of face masks, over 2 lakh units to be donated to India
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Comau manufacturing facility in China is gearing up to triple the rate of production of face masks. While the company started with a target of manufacturing one million face masks per month, the same was achieved in the first 10 days of production in April. And therefore FCA has now gone ahead and set a bigger target of manufacturing three million masks per month at the same plant with production running over two lines.
The company will be donating over two lakh face masks to India on priority, confirmed FCA. It also plans to make donations of face masks to China, United States followed by Indonesia, Philippines and Australia. The production of face masks at the FCA's Comau plant is being done with the same level of expertise in manufacturing, purchasing, supply chain and engineering needed to manufacturer vehicles to fight the Coronavirus pandemic.
The staff at the Comau plant involved in the production of face masks have each undergone extensive training coupled with understanding lessons learnt from other manufacturers in the industry. The production team works in a strictly controlled environment, adhering to the highest safety and hygiene standards, confirmed FCA.
"We all have a role to play in supporting those people and countries most in need at this time," said Max Trantini, Chief Operating Officer, APAC Region. "Following an evaluation of the ways that we could rally our internal talent and resources, we quickly identified an opportunity to contribute to the global demand for protective face masks." The cross-functional project team for China was formed with a plan executed in less than 24 hours. It took less than one month from the start of concept to start of production. During this time, the team procured raw materials and machinery, established an ISO Class 8 cleanroom, coupled with obtaining the appropriate certifications, export licenses and government approvals, mentioned the company in an official release.
