PAPRs are an important piece of equipment for front-line healthcare workers responding to the coronavirus pandemic. PAPRs use a battery-powered blower that sends filtered air into a hood or head top that overs the wearers had or face; and can provide increased levels of respiratory protection.
With the additional particulate filters, 3M has potential to more than double its current production. The additional filters will help 3M increases demand for personal protective equipment during the coronavirus outbreak.
“Cummins has been striving to find ways to help during the COVID-19 crisis,” said Tom Linebarger, Chairman and CEO of Cummins.
“Working with 3M, we discovered out technologies and manufacturing expertise could be relevant as we partner in a new way to help protect healthcare professionals.”
3M PAPR in use
Source: 3M/Cummins
Cummins will use its workforce and existing equipment at its Neillsville, Wisconsin facility to pleat the media, assemble it into cartridge housings and do final testing before shipping the filter to Valley, Nebraska, where 3M’s PAPRs are manufactured.
“3M continues to work around the clock to get personal protective equipment, including PAPRs, to the heroic healthcare workers and first responders on the frontlines of the COVID-19 fight,” said Mike Roman, 3M Chairman of the Board and CEO.
Production of the filters at Cummins’ Neillsville location is expected to begin by the end of April.