Sports Suppliers Shift Focus to Medical Gear
April 3, 2020
Around the world, sport suppliers from Fanatics to Formula 1 are switching their production factories away from athletic gear to produce much-needed masks, gowns and ventilators to help supply hospitals.
Here are just a few ways of how the sports business community is helping provide live-saving equipment:
Canadian Hockey Manufacturer Switches to Medical Shields
When hockey came to a halt amid the global pandemic, Bauer faced the possibility of closing its manufacturing plant in Blainville, Quebec. However, engineers there instead came up with the idea of producing medical shields to help protect people on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19.
They came up with a prototype, and Bauer vice president of global marketing, Mary-Kay Messier, has said there were already 100,000 devices ready for distribution. They are expected to first go to doctors and nurses in Canada, then the US. Read More.
MLB Jersey Provider Fanatics Creating Masks for Medical Workers
Fanatics, the top provider of MLB hats, jerseys and other merchandise, will be re-purposing the jersey material the company has on hand to create masks and gowns for medical workers. Michael Rubin, the executive director of Fanatics, thought of the idea last week and spoke with MLB commissioner Rob Manfred to make it happen.
The COVID-19 crisis has compelled our country to be more collaborative, innovative and strategic than ever before," Rubin said in a statement to MLB.com. Read More.
F1 and F1 Teams Come Together to Craft Ventilators
A collective of UK-based Formula 1 teams, engine manufacturers and their respective technology arms is evaluating support for the manufacture of respiratory devices in response to the UK Government’s call for assistance.
The teams are working in collaboration with Formula 1, the UK Government and other organizations to establish the feasibility of the teams producing, or supporting the production of, medical devices to help in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Read More.