Continental producing masks in Shanghai plant

German auto parts maker Continental has started mask production in its Shanghai plant in order to meet demand amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

Continental AG made the decision to produce masks in the early of April and the company's China team achieved official production on July 9. It took short time to complete the procurement, installation and trial run of the mask production line.

To satisfy the company’s own demand for nearly one million masks per week worldwide, Continental decided to produce masks in China, as well as in Germany and the US.

Elmar Degenhart, chief executive officer of Continental, said: “We decided to produce our own masks in order to protect the health and safety of our employees. At the same time, we want to help alleviate the tense situation on the free market for protective masks, which are urgently needed in the health care sector."

The company said it takes the quality control of mask production seriously and has executed strict standards.

Continental is among a number of car manufacturers making masks in the fight against COVID-19. SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile Co, a joint venture between General Motors Co and two Chinese partners, started to produce masks in early February. Shenzhen-based electric carmaker BYD also started production of masks and disinfectants in mid-February.