10,000 made-in-Québec masks for manufacturing SMEs in the aerospace sector

MONTRÉAL, April 29, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Aéro Montréal proudly announced today the launch of a new, innovative initiative that will provide 10,000 reusable masks to manufacturing SMEs in the aerospace sector. This project aims to support the continuation or resumption of their activities in a safe work environment.

This Montréal-made face mask will help protect thousands of qualified employees in the aerospace industry without jeopardizing supplies necessary for the proper functioning of health services. Companies in the aerospace industry have already deployed a wide range of health measures to ensure business continuity, and this new initiative by Aéro Montréal will complement what is already in place. The COVID-19 crisis is unprecedented and will require the maintenance of these safety protocols for many months to come. Numerous companies are preparing for the resumption of operations and will undoubtedly face procurement challenges to ensure that they provide personal protective equipment to their employees, including masks.

Promoting a gradual and safe resumption by supporting local entrepreneurship
Aéro Montréal will draw on the strength of its network to offer reusable masks free of charge. Our team will be contacting our many SMEs over the next few days so that they can take advantage of this offer.

Inspired by the Panier Bleu program, this initiative also aims to support the local textile economy. This is why it is being implemented with the support of the Metropolitan Fashion Cluster mmode, and Quartz Co., a Montréal based coat supplier. The company Quartz Co. modified its production line to manufacture protective textile products. This inter-cluster collaboration will enable the supply of washable masks to be available in record time at very competitive costs. Once the 10,000 free masks have been distributed, aerospace SMEs wishing to purchase additional masks, will be able to do so by contacting Aéro Montréal.

"Through this initiative, Aéro Montréal is reaffirming its support for small and medium-sized enterprises, which play a crucial role in the supply chain. By working with local players, Aéro Montréal will help ensure a safe and efficient resumption of activities for a key sector that represents more than 42,100 direct jobs in Québec," stated Suzanne M. Benoît, President, Aéro Montréal

"Over the past months we have invested significantly in acquisitions of viable Quebec production plants. At Quartz Co., we believe in the importance of retaining and developing a local production force. Thanks to these efforts, we can contribute today to the fight against COVID-19, manufacturing masks among other items for our corporate clients," added Jean-Philippe Robert, President of Quartz Co.

About Aéro Montréal
Created in 2006, Aéro Montréal is a strategic think tank that groups all major decision makers in Québec's aerospace sector, including companies, educational and research institutions, as well as associations and unions.

The activities of Aéro Montréal are made possible thanks to the participation of the governments of Québec and Canada, the Montréal Metropolitan Community, as well as company members of the cluster.

SOURCE Aéro Montréal