Carhartt plant in Camden, Tenn., shifts to mask and gown production

Carhartt is shifting production in its Camden, Tennessee, plant to make protective face masks and medical gowns instead of work wear, the Michigan-based company announced Tuesday.

The new production will begin April 6 in both Tennessee and Kentucky factories, and the company seeks to make 2.5 million masks and 50,000 gowns. The new focus will continue as long as needed, officials said.

Hospital workers across the country face supply shortages as they combat the spreading coronavirus that has killed at least 3,000 Americans.

“Serving and answering the call during times of need has always been an integral part of Carhartt’s history and it’s why consumers have trusted us to have their back for more than 130 years,” Carhartt CEO Mark Valade said in a statement. “We are humbled and honored to help all the essential workers serving and protecting us right now.”

About 200 people work at the Camden plant, Carhartt officials said. To ensure worker safety, Carhartt is working with local health officials and following recommended protocols, including social distancing, limiting employee numbers and increasing sanitation measures, according to the company.

Carhartt has temporarily closed all company-owned stores and has rotated work schedules in its manufacturing and distribution facilities.

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