Procter & Gamble is converting manufacturing capacity at oproduct face masks at nearly a dozen manufacutring sites globally. According to CEO David Taylor, mask production is already up and running China and the company has teams working to install capacity in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa.


The efforts will increase the supply of masks for hospitals, first responders and other organizations by reducing market demand for production and industrial use; help create a safe working environment for P&G people, and, in the long term, it will allow the company to directly help many communities across the globe where there is unprecedented need for protective supplies.


One site reportedly set to begin face mask production is located in Mehoopany, PA, where production should begin making masks in mid-May.

“It will increase the supply of masks for hospitals, first responders and other organizations by reducing market demand for production and industrial use,” she said. “It helps us create a safe working environment for P&G people, and long term, it will allow us to directly help many communities across the globe where there is unprecedented need for protective supplies," says P&G Charmin and Family Care communications spokesman Loren Fanroy.

The effort requires installation of new equipment or adjustments to existing equipment, as well as new supplies and training. The company will direct donations with established partners who have the capability and reach to help those affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, Long said. The masks won’t be sold and the company won’t be able to respond to individual requests for help.

The P&G Mehoopany plant is actually two plants in one. The Family Care side of the operation employs about 1,200 and is responsible for Charmin toilet tissue and Bounty paper towels and napkins. The Baby Care operation employs about 1,000 people and is responsible for Pampers and Luvs diapers.

Another site reportedly shifting to face mask production is P&G's Cabuyao City in the Phillipines.

P&G has also installed new lines to start production of hand sanitizer in five manufacturing sites around the world, using it to ensure our people can continue operating safely and sharing it with hospitals, health authorities and relief organizations. The company is already  expanding manufacturing capacity further in additional facilities to bring its capacity to 45,000 liters per week when fully operational, Taylor adds.