(WXYZ) — Detroit Sewn, a Pontiac-based contract sewing house, is planning to produce at least 300,000 medical masks as part of the "Arsenal for Health Care" effort.
They have added a second shift and acquired four high-production sewing machines, and hopes to produce at least 50,000 masks a week by April 6. Currently, they are producing 10,000 masks a week.
Detroit Sewn has also outsourced work to seven additional Detroit-based subcontractors.
"We started with one order for 50,000 masks and the phone kept ringing from all over the country," said Karen Buscemi, CEO, Detroit Sewn. "We're now looking at making 300,000 masks and the number keeps growing. We've expanded into the office next door and are looking for additional nearby office space for the additional machines and staff."
Detroit Sewn and the Glamorous Moms Foundation have organized a volunteer hub to accept homemade masks.
Additional Coronavirus information and resources:
Read our daily Coronavirus Live Blog for the latest updates and news on coronavirus.
Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.
View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.
Find out how you can help metro Detroit restaurants struggling during the pandemic.
See all of our Helping Each Other stories.
See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.