Jordan Schindler hated the helplessness he felt seeing health care workers and first responders across the country battle on the front lines of COVID-19.
So he and his team at Nufabrx made the decision to change its product line.
Schindler said when the pandemic hit, the company pivoted production to create a reusable, washable medical mask. The masks are infused with copper, which is designed to be antimicrobial, and are good for 30 washes.
"I think our team was a little bit tired of sitting on the sidelines as a result of this crisis," he said. "We felt compelled to help out, and that evolved beyond our wildest dreams."
The Conover-based company was founded on the mission of simplifying health and wellness. Its core technology enables the delivery of vitamins and medicine through clothing, Schindler said.
Nufabrx currently sells a line of pain relief infused ankle, knee and hand or wrist sleeves at Walmart.
Since mask production began just over a month ago, Schindler said they've sold more than 500,000 units to first responders and health care workers across the country.
Each mask is $29.99, and those on the front lines of the pandemic can receive a discount, he said.
"We were uniquely positioned to make an impact in terms of PPE," he said. "The mask is not a product we made before. We were able to put the pieces together to scale and grow."
He said safety enforcement and first responders in Catawba County, as well as Atrium Health in Charlotte, have placed multiple orders.
"We view this as an entirely new generation of mask. It’s designed to kill bacteria over a prolonged period of time," he said. "These N95 masks just don’t exist in the quantities they're needed, so we’re helping to fill some of the void."
Mask production has not rested solely on the Nufabrx team, however. Schindler said the entire North Carolina textile industry has played a part in making it happen.
Klaussner Furniture, Bossong Medical, Trotters Sewing Company, Well’s Hosiery and Affordable Hosiery have all contributed time and resources.
"It's a true effort by the whole industry here," he said.
