Fiat Chrysler Plans to Convert China Plant to Produce Face Masks

By Nora Naughton

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV plans to convert a factory in China to produce face masks for donation to health care workers in the U.S. fighting the spread of the novel coronavirus.

In a letter to employees Sunday, Fiat Chrysler Chief Executive Michael Manley said the conversion would begin this week. The company plans to eventually produce more than a million face masks per month at the converted plant, Mr. Manley said. The masks will then be shipped to the U.S. for use by medical personnel.

A company spokeswoman confirmed the plans but didn't provide details on which plant Fiat Chrysler plans to convert or how it would be retooled.

Fiat Chrysler engineers in Italy are also working with Ferrari and Saire Engineering, a major ventilator manufacturer, to increase production of respirators needed to treat patients who have contracted the COVID-19 virus.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

March 23, 2020 12:43 ET (16:43 GMT)

Fiat Chrysler Automobile... (NYSE:FCAU)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024