West suburban company Moss a unique American producer of surgical masks
Many companies in Illinois and nationally have pivoted during the pandemic to provide cloth masks and barrier protection products.
Moss Inc. is different in that we offer medical-grade three-layer polypropylene masks that provide bacteria filtration, barrier protection and spread control. With high-speed production lines established in West suburban Franklin Park, we implemented industrial production capacity of surgical masks developed to meet the ASTM F2100 standard.
Most recently, we launched an anti-fog face shield product and added online ordering for face mask and face shield products with same-day shipping for orders placed before 1 p.m.
The process has been a whirlwind for us. We traditionally operate as a brand environments company. For 50 years we have provided custom manufacturing and large format printing for retail, trade show, event, sports and corporate environment installations. It was a big pivot beyond ultra-custom work and flexible materials, into a world of highly standardized and consistent mass production.
Our turn from early discussions with project partners to realizing bulk mask production took just four months. Explorations of how to keep our workforce viable amid the pandemic's economic downturn and how to make a significant impact in mask production led to the discovery that we needed to better control the supply chain and ultimately perform the manufacturing.
To us it was about changing the existing game. Historically, most medical masks are manufactured overseas, with estimates topping 90% for the volume of masks used in America that are produced in China. Early in the pandemic, hospitals and other medical facilities faced extreme difficulties procuring masks, often dealing with unverifiable claims, suspect certification and no recourse in the face of any problems.
Today, PPE shortages persist with some resellers needing to limit volume or unable to guarantee stock. By establishing U.S. production, we can reliably supply medical professionals and organizations requiring bulk mask supplies, even into the millions. These organizations now can regularly receive supply in weeks versus months, and from a trusted U.S. manufacturer with the capability to produce masks by the millions.
Our strategic supply chain was established by our global procurement team holding the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) credential, who vetted more than 100 raw materials suppliers. Simultaneously, we were developing our proprietary equipment, micro-engineering production processes and pivoting our global sales operation.
Our manufactured in the U.S.A. masks are identical to those made by our office in Lennestadt, Germany, where the masks are certified to meet EN 14683 Type II R standards. We are a registered medical supply company in Germany and maintain medical security officers for our CE compliant product.
Our sales executives have heard firsthand from customers about the "Wild West" of PPE procurement they have experienced.
These organizations can worry less about procuring surgical masks for daily use, surge supply and inventory. They have ready access to tested, timely and reliable mask supply made right here in Illinois.
• Jason Popp is president & CEO of Moss in Franklin Park.