Honeywell hiring 500 in Phoenix to help manufacture N95 masks for coronavirus fight

Honeywell is hiring at its Phoenix facility to increase production of high-filtration N95 face masks and personal protective equipment to help in the fight against the new coronavirus.

Mayor Kate Gallego tweeted the news Monday announcing the company is adding 500 new jobs in Phoenix.

This expansion, along with a similar effort in Rhode Island, will increase Honeywell's mask production capacity to more than 20 million monthly. The city said the equipment to make the masks will arrive in Phoenix this week.

“Honeywell has long been a respected member of the Phoenix community and now, during COVID-19, they are stepping up to protect us all. The protective equipment manufactured at this site will save lives across the nation. My sincere thanks to Honeywell and all those serving our nation during this challenging time," Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said in a release on the city's website.

Health care workers in Arizona and across the nation are facing shortages of personal protective equipment, also called PPE, that the workers need to protect themselves during the new coronavirus outbreak.

The masks will be produced at Honeywell's Phoenix Engines campus, located on the north side of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The location primarily designs and manufactures aircraft propulsion engines and auxiliary power units, according to an announcement on Honeywell's website.

The masks will be delivered to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services for use to support health, safety, and emergency response workers. The Phoenix facility will prioritize fulfilling the U.S government's procurement and will be able to produce masks for states healthcare and emergency response organizations, according to the city.

"Honeywell’s production expansion will also support American businesses, including industrial equipment providers and raw materials suppliers," according to the city.

Honeywell is working with state and local officials to increase production efforts and support hiring and training.

“We have moved quickly to expand our production capacity for N95 masks globally and are pleased to announce our second new U.S. manufacturing line to supply the Strategic National Stockpile,” said Darius Adamczyk, Honeywell Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, in the statement.

Reach breaking news reporter Alyssa Stoney at alyssa.stoney@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on Twitter @stoney_alyssa