Honeywell expands production of N95 masks in Rhode Island

Honeywell says it will increase production of N95 masks at its Smithfield factory.

SMITHFIELD, RI (WJAR) – March 23, 2020 — (reposted from www.turnto10.com) A Rhode Island company that specializes in safety equipment is taking up the fight against shortages of personal protective equipment around the world caused by the coronavirus pandemic.https://turnto10.com/news/local/honeywell-expands-production-of-n95-masks-in-rhode-island

The company said it's ramping up production in Smithfield to make more N95 face masks.

President Trump praised Honeywell's efforts Sunday night with a familiar Rhode Islander standing by his side -- Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Pete Gaynor, who served as Providence's EMA director and EMA director for the state of Rhode Island.

N95 masks are especially critical for medical professionals on the front lines of the pandemic because they filter and block 95 percent of airborne particles and droplets needed to transmit coronavirus.

"I'm pleased to report that Honeywell, a great company, has just announced it will immediately expand its personal protective equipment manufacturing operations in Rhode Island to produce millions of additional N95 masks. They are very hard to get -- they're actually quite complex -- for the U.S government strategic national stockpile. They'll be immediately then delivered to the various states," Trump said.

Honeywell said it hopes increased production will provide millions of additional masks to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

"Our Rhode Island facility already produces industry-leading safety gear and soon will play a critical role in supplying the Strategic National Stockpile with N95 masks," Darius Adamczyk, Honeywell chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

Honeywell said it will add about 500 jobs in Rhode Island to handle increased production. Recruiting, hiring and training will start immediately, the company said.