Tultex, an apparel brand under TSC Apparel, is redirecting its efforts to produce face masks for the healthcare industry amid the widespread shortage.

Tultex has a history of adapting its business operations to help the country in uncertain times.

“Since 1935, we have been stepping up to help our country in times of crisis,” Debbie Gonzalez, VP of merchandising and brand management at TSC Apparel and Tultex said. “Our brand was an official supplier of sweatshirts to the U.S. Army during World War II. We have always been equipped to produce large quantities of products quickly. In this case, we want to help the healthcare workers in any way we can. We’ve built our foundation on helping out in times of need, and we’re committed to continuing the work we started.”

The Tultex Facemask is a reusable multi-ply 30 singles mask made from 100 percent U.S. cotton and is washable and breathable. Production will begin immediately, and the company believes it will produce 1 million to 2 million masks per week. Tultex will primarily be supporting healthcare professionals, hospitals, nursing homes, and frontline workers. The product will also be available to consumers. These masks are not medical-grade and are not meant to take the place of the N95 masks.

“When we heard the countless stories of healthcare professionals working with patients without masks or desperately trying to reuse them, we knew we had to step in and help,” Dave Klotter, CEO of TSC Apparel said. “Our social responsibility is to work to provide solutions and keep our TSC associates working.”

Logo courtesy Tultex