Shanghai site to produce millions of masks

Italy’s UFI Filters Group expanded its business in China to produce masks as well as materials for the manufacture of masks and personal protective equipment.

Founded in 1971, UFI serves a wide range of sectors — from automotive, aerospace and marine to specialized industrial and customized hydraulic applications. Due to the demand for masks amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the company decided to produce masks to meet the needs of both China and Italy. 

Giorgio Girondi, the group’s chairman, said: “We are proud to be able to make a contribution during this historic time. The effects of the COVID-19 emergency are being felt across the entire world, and the crisis is placing a major strain on stocks of medical materials and devices."

UFI Filters said it will manufacture masks as well as filter materials which are used for the manufacture of masks in China, which has always been an important market for the company where it now has six industrial sites.

The company plans to produce 12 million FFP2-type masks per year directly from Shanghai site.

The masks will be on sale from next month 2020 through its aftermarket network, as well as through the network specialising in personal protective equipment devices.

The company said some material has already been distributed to other mask manufacturers and to meet the significant demand during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Rinaldo Facchini, chief executive officer of the group, said: “The role of filtration in ensuring personal well-being and safety is a new strategic goal for the company. The production of masks is only a beginning. The goal is to continue with the development and study of new products, making them an integral part of the company’s business."

UFI said the first batch of masks will be used to ensure the safety of its employees, who currently number nearly 4,000 worldwide.