Brownmed Shifts Manufacturing to Personal Protective Equipment

SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa (April 23, 2020)—COVID-19 has disrupted every aspect of life for billions of people and every company around the globe. Brownmed is no exception. Despite the significant impact on sales and manufacturing worldwide, Brownmed continues to focus on innovation and opportunities to protect health care workers and patients.

In March, Brownmed partnered with Dr. Alison Craig of Madison, Wisconsin to develop a droplet barrier to protect and minimize the need for personal protective equipment (PPE). The final concept evolved and Brownmed remained focused on finding ways to help safeguard healthcare workers in this new environment. Last week, NASA announced an Oxygen Hood for patients with COVID-19. Brownmed collaborated in the early stages of product design and supplied the rings and seals that provide the structure for the oxygen hood and allow it to function. The goal of the oxygen hood is to minimize the need for ventilators and improve patient outcomes for those exhibiting mild symptoms of COVID-19. More than 500 have already been produced.

Simultaneously, Brownmed has reorganized its manufacturing lines and made significant changes to begin producing PPE from its plant in Spirit Lake, Iowa. The company’s first face shields came off the line Saturday, April 18 and anticipated production could reach 50,000 units a week by the end of the month. Brownmed’s sewing team, which normally works on Nice Stretch Plantar Fasciitis Splints and Polar Ice cold therapy products, is now focused on sewing cloth masks for everyday activities. Additionally, Brownmed has submitted a bid to supply PPE gowns to healthcare providers in Massachusetts, the new epicenter of the fight against COVID-19.

“I’m proud of the effort by our whole team at Brownmed. We’ve met this unprecedented challenge with flexibility, a willingness to collaborate with industry leaders and a focus on innovation.” said Kylia Garver, President, “As a result, we’ve been able to contribute positively to our community and will continue to do our part to help protect our nation’s healthcare workers and patients.”

Learn more at brownmed.com.