Detmold to make 145 million masks, take on up to 160 extra staff

Adelaide packaging company Detmold Group has reached an agreement with the state and federal governments to supply 145 million respirator and surgical masks, which it says will see it invest over $1 million locally and take on up to 160 extra staff.

Detmold CEO Alf Ianello said it was immensely rewarding to be both employing more workers in SA and assisting in “flattening the curve” during the Covid-19 pandemic. 100 million of the masks would go to the National Medical Stockpile and 45 million to Detmold’s home state.

“Work has already commenced on the manufacturing facility which is located in Brompton, South Australia and production will start by May of this year,” Ianello said in a joint statement with industry minister Karen Andrews and SA premier Steven Marshall.

“We expect to have the capacity to manufacture over 20 million masks per month by June, and the facility will produce both surgical masks and respirator masks.”

Detmold is a 72-year-old business with sales in 17 countries and clients in the FMCG and retail industries. 

Andrews said that, “This is a fantastic example of how our strong manufacturing base in Australia puts us in a position to be able to make more of the medical supplies we need during the outbreak of this virus.

“We have a sufficient supply of masks at the moment but this work will ensure we sustain that supply over the months ahead.

“This new production line won’t be up and running overnight, that’s why we’re attacking this challenge from all angles, including continuing work to secure further masks out there in the market.”

@AuManufacturing reminds readers that requests for information from suppliers interested in providing medical personal protective equipment (PPE) close today at 5 pm (AEST.) See the AusTender link here.

Manufacturers wanting to help can also submit their details to the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre’s COVID-19 Manufacturer Response register at this link.

Picture: Getty Images

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