Braintree Coronavirus: Company Makes Masks For Essential Workers

BRAINTREE, MA — A Braintree printing and packaging company wanted to do their part to help in the new coronavirus crisis and has made more than two million masks for essential workers.

When Donny Charlebois, the founder of Superior Packaging & Finishing, shifted his operation to the pandemic three weeks ago, it was because of the realization that many essential workers outside the medical field like grocery store workers and delivery drivers might not have the proper protection they need.

So Charlebois held an emergency meeting and assigned three engineers to design the masks for essential workers and the general public.

The masks were made from recycled paper and designed to keep people protected without taking resources away from nurses and doctors who need medical grade masks to combat the COVID-19 crisis.

Charlebois said the masks are one-time use to prevent cross contamination, but with 80 percent of his 200 employees working on their production, there should be plenty of masks.

"We just see these people wearing cloth masks over and over," Charlebois told Patch. "These are breathable. The idea is they act as a shield ... "We're working hard to get them out there and get as many people safe a possible."

As of last week, the company has donated more than 250,000 masks to local grocery stores and other essential businesses. Charlebois said the company continues to talk with businesses about ordering more.

The masks that weren't donated are sold in 25 packs for $15, with the cost just covering the production for future masks. The masks can be purchased online here, and are limited to six cartons per customer.

In the product description, the company wrote the masks can help people avoid contavt with eyes, nose and mouth, but do not eliminate the risk of contract any disease or infection. They are also not intended for medical use.