The marine industry has quickly mobilized to provide support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are a few notable companies that have promptly shifted production and donated resources to help provide health care workers and others with masks.
Chaparral Boats
This Nashville, Georgia, boat builder, which usually produces fishing and pleasure craft, has donated hundreds of N95 respirator masks to local hospitals and nursing homes, including South Georgia Medical Center’s Berrien campus.
Chaparral’s parent company, Marine Products Corporation, has also donated $100,000 to The Caring Place, an organization distributing food throughout the county.
Chaparral’s CEO, Richard A. Hubbel, says “This community and its support mean a great deal to us. In turn, we have always been proud of our involvement in the local economy, and we are pleased to participate in a meaningful way to support our employees, their families and the broader community around Nashville.”
Brunswick Corporation
Upholsterers for Boston Whaler and Sea Ray boats have shifted production to develop masks that meet CDC guidelines instead. The masks are being made for fellow Brunswick employees around the world, and the company donated 15,000 previously purchased masks to hospitals and first responders.
Brunswick is also developing parts for face shields and ventilators. And even amidst the pandemic and their extra efforts to support workers on the frontline, the company continues to build boats too.
Viking Yachts
Viking is supporting the medical community by donating 2,650 3M N95 masks and 100 Tyvek suits, boots and hoods to medical facilities.
Viking is also making face shields using 3-D printing, and their goal is to produce more than 1,000 of these shields for the medical community. Once 1,000 shields have been developed, Viking will make shields for its workers. They have also made their design available for anyone with the ability to 3-D print.
