Please note: ISPA wants to hear about challenges and successes in supplying critical equipment needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you encounter government regulatory problems where we might be able to help, or if you have ideas on how ISPA can further assist the industry in its efforts to help, contact Grant Johnson, ISPA policy and government affairs, phone 571-635-6302, email [email protected]. Find more information: ISPA COVID-19 Member Resources page
Chicago, IL (April 7, 2020) – Chicago-based A. Lava & Son Co. (ALAVA), a 103-year-old family business, is part of an unprecedented show of solidarity and service during this global crisis and has joined with other U.S. furniture, bedding and apparel companies and their suppliers to manufacture face coverings and other protective equipment in short supply.
The novel coronavirus pandemic (“COVID-19”) has created a worldwide shortage of masks to protect healthcare providers, first responders and people everywhere.
“A. Lava & Son is honored to transition our manufacturing services into manufacturing face coverings, mattresses and other needed items to help protect the public at this difficult time,” said Steven Appelbaum, CEO of A. Lava & Son. “Our family business has a legacy of working locally and globally, and we’re proud to be contributing our expertise as part of this national initiative.”
ALAVA has transformed its U.S. manufacturing plants totaling 400,000 square feet to respond to the COVID-19 crisis and is producing first responder-grade personal protective equipment (PPE):
- Face covering: 100,000 -150,000/week
- Mattress: 400-800 beds/day, to include residential, hospital and dorm mattresses, toppers and cots for temporary sleeping usage and shelters
- Customizable PPE products
As part of a private/public collaboration with the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services (HHS) and businesses, A. Lava & Son joins other manufacturers and individuals to help supply essential items. These face coverings are critical to help in flattening the curve of this pandemic in our country.
Using special cotton fabric developed by HanesBrand/Parkdale Mills, approved by HHS, ALAVA is activating its staff of 200 sewers, automated cutting equipment, pattern designers and engineers poised to produce gear and other items needed by local, state or federal interests.
The effort has been led by Alex Azar, Secretary of HHS, and Dr. Peter Navarro, assistant to the President and Director of the Office and Trade, to help navigate the process of securing required government agency approval to manufacture the face coverings and materials.
States, local municipalities and organizations in need of these items, can contact [email protected]. Visit: https://www.alavason.com/covid-19-ppe-announcement/
ALAVA’s Chicago facility will manufacture products for clients in the U.S. ALAVA’s Haitian-based plant, totaling 80,000 square feet, is currently one of 12 facilities authorized by the Association of Industries of Haiti, a public utility, to manufacture protective equipment for global clients.
Inquiries about this industry effort can be directed to Adam Lava at [email protected], and Chris Bunce at [email protected].
About A. Lava & Son Co.
Est. 1917 as a textile supplier A. Lava & Son Co. is now a multi-faceted 4th generation family business working with our customers to design products and components you likely use every day. With over 350 employees, A. Lava & Son Co. is the largest “Made in USA” cover producer supporting the bedding industry and we distribute thousands of mattress making components.
In addition, A. Lava & Son Co. contract manufactures finished consumer products with compressed roll-pack packaging and 3PL/DTC fulfillment. Visit www.alavason.com and www.sblava.com
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