Ontario PPE manufacturer launches automated surgical mask production

The Canadian Shield, a Waterloo, Ontario–based personal protective equipment (PPE) manufacturer, is expanding its production line to include disposable surgical masks.

These masks are in addition to the reusable face shields and cloth masks already being manufactured by The Canadian Shield.

The company has built two automation lines for surgical mask production that will be running 24/7 to ensure the company meets its production quota of one million surgical masks per week.

In the next two months, The Canadian Shield’s annual capacity will grow to more than 200 million surgical masks annually.

“We’ve acquired the tools and resources to ensure our nation is able to meet its present and future PPE requirements. Our company will not only protect Canada, but grow to be a world leader in medical equipment design and manufacturing,” says Jeremy Hedges, founder and CEO of The Canadian Shield.

Surgical masks create a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential environmental contaminants.

Regulated by Health Canada, these masks, if worn properly, are meant to help block particle droplets, splashes, sprays or splatter that may contain viruses or bacteria.

They can help reduce exposure of saliva and respiratory secretions, which is critical to reducing the transmission of COVID-19.

Further studies have proven mask mandates lead to a slowdown in daily COVID-19 growth rate, helping to reduce virus transmission in both pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic forms.

Numerous municipalities across the country have taken steps to mandate mask-wearing through bylaws and regulations in recent weeks.

Non-rated disposable surgical masks are now available for consumer pre-order online through their website at www.canadianshieldppe.ca.

Over the next few weeks pending further testing, the company will also be releasing ASTM Level 1, 2 and 3 disposable surgical masks for consumer sale.

The Canadian Shield has also recently launched a line of cloth masks, while continuing to grow its capacity to manufacture reusable face shields. The company now produces more than 200,000 face shields per day having just launched in March 2020.

In the next few weeks, the company will also begin manufacturing isolation gowns, with an anticipated capacity of six million gowns per year.