Madison Teacher Who Mass-Produced PPE Honored With New Car

MADISON, NJ — When New Jersey faced a shortage of personal protective equipment, Jason Erdrich did what not many would do: brought 15 3-D printers into his home and made it a makeshift factory. Little did the Madison Junior School shop teacher know, his wife and Mazda would reward his efforts.

Mazda announced Erdrich, of Randolph, on Wednesday as one of their "Mazda Heroes." Erdrich's wife nominated him and narrated Madza's profile video on the teacher. The video culminates with Erdrich giving PPE to the Madison Fire Department, where his wife surprises him with his prize: a Mazda MX-5 Miata, 100th anniversary edition.

"I nominated you as a Mazda hero, because you were compassionate and generous when people were afraid," she said in the video.

When the coronavirus outbreak hit New Jersey, Erdrich rounded up technology from the school to create PPE. He recruited many more shop teachers and his students to his efforts, and they created 12,000 pieces of PPE for hospitals, nursing homes and local frontline workers.

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While students learned virtually, Erdrich designed online STEM classes for little to no charge, along with his typical classes.

Madza will announce 50 winners throughout December in its heroes program. Each will receive the Mazda MX-5 Miata and a special ceremony in their communities.

Watch Mazda's video below:

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