Cummins, DuPont Partner to Use Filter Technology to Supply Material for Respirator Masks

By Michael Dabaie

Cummins Inc. and DuPont said Monday they are partnering to use filter technology to supply critical material for N95 respirator masks amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Cummins shares rose 8% to $143.10 in morning trading, while DuPont shares were up 7% to $34.17.

Cummins' NanoNet and NanoForce Media technology, which uses DuPont's Hybrid Membrane Technology, is typically used in air, fuel and lube filtration products used in heavy-duty diesel engines to prevent long-term engine wear. But, it can also can be used in the N95 respirator masks worn by healthcare professionals to filter harmful airborne particles that can spread Covid-19, the companies said.

"Cummins is re-evaluating our supply base and manufacturing capabilities to identify how we can support our healthcare professionals who rely on critical personal protective equipment to do their jobs," Amy Davis, vice president of Cummins Filtration, said.

The first mask prototypes using Cummins' donated media were assembled by University of Minnesota teams in March as part of an initiative to provide masks to M Health Fairview and other Minneapolis-based healthcare systems.

Products featuring Cummins' media will need to be vetted and approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the company said.

Write to Michael Dabaie at michael.dabaie@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 06, 2020 11:11 ET (15:11 GMT)

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