Reusable cloth masks made to automotive quality standards are being produced in Port Elizabeth by Acoustex/VPS, one of a handful of black-owned component manufacturers in South Africa.
The new line will be able to produce around one thousand washable masks a week, and will create five sustainable manufacturing jobs in Port Elizabeth.
“Thanks to our lean production philosophy we are able to produce high-quality and durable masks at one of the most competitive costs in South Africa,” says Andre Swartbooi, Acoustex commercial director.
Masks can be custom-designed for specific applications.
The first batch has been tailored for a particular client whose workers wear protective headgear.
One requirement was replaceable ear and head loops, with a cord stopper for adjustment.
Users around the world are being encouraged to use washable masks rather than contributing to the pollution of the environment being created by millions of single use masks.
There is also a cost-saving element.
“The market is currently flooded by disposable masks, which cost more than ours.
“Rather than contribute to the challenges created by the disposal of hundreds and thousands of disposable masks, we set ourselves the challenge to provide a mask that can be re-used at a competitive price,” he says.
The basic masks sell for R12.50 excluding VAT.
It is estimated that they can be safely washed multiple times as they are made from durable materials.
The masks can be branded in corporate colours.
Vehicle Protection Solutions (VPS), is an 86% black-owned joint venture between Acoustex and Engeli Enterprise Development.
It was set up to manufacture protective car covers for automotive original equipment manufacturers.
There is at present spare capacity in the plant, which is being used to manufacture the masks.
Procurement, supply and logistics company Calano Supplier Solutions has been appointed as the marketing, sales and distribution partner for the cloth masks.
Calano is a 60% black-owned designated group supplier.