The American Spirit of Manufacturing
Posted: April 07, 2020
Whenever the United States has faced daunting situations, the spirit in every American rises up to overcome that challenge. During World War II, the American manufacturing industry displayed its American spirit by converting many of its assembly lines to produce needed supplies for soldiers. Today, the United States again faces another challenge - fighting COVID-19.
Northwest Florida manufacturers are demonstrating their American spirit by rising to the occasion to meet the country’s growing need for medical equipment. Manufacturers across the region are producing medical equipment from ventilators to face shields to hand sanitizer. These are their stories:
- General Electric: The largest wind turbine production facility in North America is located in Pensacola. Today, General Electric has converted some of its Pensacola facility’s compacity to produce plastic mask shields using 3D printers (Source: Pensacola News Journal).
- The University of West Florida: In downtown Pensacola, the University of West Florida’s (UWF) Sea3D Advance Manufacturing lab provides 3D printing capabilities for students and facility. UWF is now using their advanced manufacturing lab to produce protective face gear for healthcare works (Source: Pensacola News Journal).
- Vertec, Inc.: Vertec is a manufacturer of air-conditioned golf carts and small aluminum boats for the U.S. Navy. Today, the organization has shifted its production to manufacture ventilators and face shields (Source: Pensacola News Journal).
- Perfect Plain Brewing: Local downtown Pensacola hotspot, Perfect Plain Brewing, has formed a collation with Rollins Distillery, GlowRange Events, and the Florida Institute of Ultrasound to make hand sanitizer. Perfect Plain Brewing will use its facility to manufacture hand sanitizer for local residents (Source: Pensacola New Journal).
- Professional Products, Inc.: In DeFuniak Springs, Professional Products, Inc. manufactures orthopedic equipment for the healthcare industry. Recently, the company switched a portion of its manufacturing capacity to produce reusable protective masks (Source: Northwest Florida Dailey News).
- WestPoint Home: Textile manufacturer, WestPoint Home in Chipley, makes bedding, comforters, quilts and similar products. During the pandemic, WestPoint Home has partnered with Washington County to make surgical masks for healthcare workers (Source: First Foley News).
- Catalyst Fabric Solutions: A printed fabric manufacturer, Catalyst Fabric Solutions, is using its Marianna facility to produce medical equipment. Recently, Catalyst received an FDA Certification to manufacture protective masks and hospital gowns (Source: My Panhandle).
- JetBoatPilot: Boat parts manufacturer, JetBoatPilot in Panama City, makes parts and accessories for Jet Boats. Recently, the company transitioned some of its manufacturing capacity to produce face shields for medical field professionals in Bay County (Source: JetBoatPilot).
- Aldridge Converting Inc: A foam tape manufacturer, Aldridge Converting Inc. in Panama City, is producing protective face shields for the Florida Department of Emergency Management, to be worn by medical professionals. (Source: My Panhandle).
Northwest Florida’s American spirit shines through our manufacturing industry during these uncertain times. By working together, Northwest Florida’s manufacturing industry will help to supply the healthcare industry with life saving products and do our part in these unprecedented times.
