Astera factory assists with face mask supply
(China) – The LED manufacturer is providing face masks for global effort against Covid-19.
As to global effort to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic continues, LED lighting manufacturer Astera has joined the effort, using its 10,000sqm factory in Shenzhen, China to assist with the delivery of essential personal protective equipment (PPE), including face masks.
The company was in the process of temporarily scaling back its operations due to the impact that Covid-19 has had on the entertainment lighting sector, and was approached to see if they would be able to assist with the production and distribution of face masks.
Astera’s CEO Norbert Ernst said of the opportunity: “Naturally I jumped at the chance. It offered a path to keeping many staff employed full-time, and also helps contribute positively to the ongoing global demand for face masks, which are vital to help meet the unique challenge of containing Covid-19.”
Ernst added that, by having the factory working in this capacity, it will assist in a rapid return to full LED lighting manufacture once conventional business starts to resume.
Two types of mask are being safely and cleanly packed at the factory – the standard disposable face masks, and KN95 respirator masks. The masks are enclosed in sanitised plastic bags, which are then sealed and packed into an inner carton, then into outer boxes, which are secured and palletised, ready for shipping around the world.
During normal peak times, more than 250 people work at the Astera factory across all departments. Currently, around 100 staff, primarily from production, quality control and the warehouse, are working on this project, while Astera’s management team in Shenzhen are considering bringing in another 100 temporary workers for the face mask project, depending on demand.
The contract is in place for three months, after which Astera has the option to continue, or switch back to producing its range of battery-powered LED fixtures.
