Coats, the leading industrial thread company, has joined the Gerber PPE Task Force as a coalition partner. The task force, created by Gerber Technology, empowers manufacturers to switch to personal protective equipment (PPE) production and match supply and demand for critically needed products.

Coats has an extensive network of apparel manufacturers and sector players which means it is uniquely positioned to provide an industry matchmaker role to rapidly mobilise the work of the Task Force. It will connect its customers who are switching to PPE production to the Task Force which will enable them to find potential outlets for their products. Coats will provide high quality threads, trims, specialist products, technical support and services as well as guidance on adhering to PPE regulation to manufacturers switching their operations. It will also introduce its raw material suppliers that produce materials for use in the production of PPE.

Rajiv Sharma, Group Chief Executive, Coats, said: “In unprecedented times we can be most effective by working together in partnerships for the greater good. By collaborating our innovation and expertise we can deliver an industry defining moment that is greater than the sum of its parts. Coats is proud to be joining the Gerber PPE Task Force and we are ready to help make a difference in keeping people safe during the pandemic.”

The initial creation of the Gerber PPE Task Force was announced on 24 March in response to the global shortage of masks and other PPE needed to keep healthcare workers safe. To date, it has brought together more than 600 companies and industry associations to protect those that are protecting us. It comprises dedicated experts who can offer advice, share best practices, support and technology to produce certain types of masks as well as protective apparel and accessories including raw material procurement and on-site support.

Mohit Uberoi, CEO of Gerber Technology, said: “Working across the industry in a unique ecosystem of professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences has allowed us to support manufacturers' conversion to PPE production by providing support for raw material selection, procurement, technical specifications to finished goods delivery. It is an ambitious initiative, but through a lot of hard work by the team and our partners, it is quickly becoming a powerful engine to drive solid and efficient PPE mass production. We would like to thank our employees and global network of partners for joining our mission and going the extra mile to maximise the production capacity and availability to protect both medical professionals and people on the frontlines.”

Converting to PPE production can bring many challenges at each step of the process. The Gerber PPE Task Force provides support from pattern design all the way to the cut and sew workflow, building a trusted supply chain and guiding manufacturers every step of the way as they transition to producing PPE.

www.gerbertechnology.com/covid19

www.coats.com