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Czech protective-equipment manufacturers helping in the fight against coronavirus

CzechInvest has published a list of the companies, which are certified manufacturers and suppliers of face masks, half masks and respirators, safety glasses and face shields, protective clothing, shoe covers and coats

Czech protective-equipment manufacturers helping in the fight against coronavirus Source: SPUR, ČVUT, Asociace nanotechnologického průmyslu

In cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and other partners, CzechInvest has compiled a list of domestic manufacturers and suppliers that are now or soon will be able to produce certified medical and personal protective equipment. In practice, this means that they can supply the state immediately. Not all companies that manufacture face masks and other protective equipment in the Czech Republic possess the appropriate certificates. The relevant ministries are already cooperating or negotiating with most of the companies on the list.

In connection with the current coronavirus pandemic, an acute need arose on the part of the state to provide an adequate amount of certified personal protective and medical equipment for workers in the integrated rescue system, social facilities and other professions for which the state procures such equipment. As the situation in the Czech Republic develops, it is necessary to think about sufficient protection also in the coming months and in the event of similar situations that may occur in the future. The objective is to involve Czech manufacturers to the maximum possible extent from the beginning of a pandemic.

“The list currently includes 38 companies. In compiling it, we proceeded based on our Sectoral Database of Suppliers, extensive experience in the field, market research and offers that have come to various departments in recent months. We strived to include all companies that have the necessary certifications or are currently working on obtaining them. However, if there are others that do not appear in the list, for example due to a recent change in their production programme, we will be pleased if they contact us by e-mail at healtechsupport@czechinvest.org. They can also use the CoVpoint portal,” Patrik Reichl, CEO of CzechInvest.

The list contains domestic manufacturers and suppliers of face masks and respirators, safety glasses and face shields, protective clothing, shoe covers and coats. In addition to CzechInvest, the list was compiled in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic, the Chamber of Commerce, the Association of Manufacturers and Suppliers of Medical Devices, the Czech Nanotechnology Industries Association, and the Association of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Crafts of the Czech Republic.

The list includes 15 certified mask manufactures, such as CLINITEX and SPUR, and eleven respirator manufacturers including, for example, Refil, Moldex and Pardam. “We have mapped their current and planned capacity. It is also important to point out that the companies’ capacities, especially in the case of masks and respirators, are currently only a fraction of the Czech Republic’s needs,” Reichl explains.

“Based on talks with the companies, we anticipate an increase in the production capacity of Czech companies for both masks and respirators. We are striving to assist companies that have not historically produced filters or other protective equipment but are interested in getting involved by, for example, by ensuring their certification. That’s the case with, for example, OK Filters and SPUR,” adds Jakub Hájek, head of the Innovations Department at CzechInvest.

About CzechInvest

CzechInvest plays a key role in the area of comprehensive support for business and investments. The agency’s unique combination of regional, central and international operations ensures the integrity of its services and its ability to connect global trends with the regional conditions in the Czech Republic. One of CzechInvest’s primary objectives is the transformation of the Czech Republic into an innovation leader of Europe. CzechInvest is a state contributory organisation subordinate to the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic. The agency was established in 1992.

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