The Hershey Co. will begin producing up to 45,000 facemasks daily by the end of May, the company said. A total of $1 million will be invested to acquire, install, and staff the manufacturing line.
The company has a relationship with equipment manufacturer JR Automation and General Motors, and this relationship is helping the company act quickly.
“Disposable masks will be an integral piece of protecting the health and safety of our employees, their families, and our community as we move forward over the weeks and months ahead,” Jason Reiman, Hershey chief supply chain officer said. “Changing how we work, and adding this capability is a testament to the adaptability of our team, and our desire to make a difference.”
The company has already donated N95 masks, surgical gloves, and hand sanitizing stations to the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
Hershey also has donated millions of dollars to food banks, Feeding America, United Way Worldwide, and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, and has expanded its donation programs to support hospitals and healthcare institutions nationwide.
In addition, the company has donated warehouse space to operate a 22,000-square foot distribution center. The center helps the flow of supplies from Penn State Health to its providers.