Tenaris’s seamless mill in Campana, Argentina set up a task force to produce face shields for employees, first responders and medical workers using existing manufacturing equipment. With 3,900 face shields delivered, the mill plans to contribute additional 36,100 units to the communities of Campana and Zárate.
The project was a collaboration between several production areas, including lines that typically produce pipe protectors and automotive parts. The initiative involved dozens of Tenaris employees who designed the prototype, retooled the molding machines, adjusted programming on 3D printers, and managed procurement and logistics.
“Even though a face shield is not a product that a seamless pipe mill would usually produce, our team was determined to contribute to the COVID-19 response effort,” said Santiago Cerri, Vice President of Operations at the Siderca mill in Argentina. “This project is testament to the innovative and compassionate spirit of our employees.”
Five community hospitals in Campana and Zárate, the Red Cross, volunteer firefighters, the police and medical first responders received face shields. Mill employees also saw their personal protective equipment (PPE) reinforced with new face protectors.
“While we continue to build up our treatment capacity, including an isolation ward, the role of PPE is critical, as it helps to prevent an even greater spread of the disease,” pointed out Daniel Sacco, Head of the Zonal Virgen del Carmen Hospital in Zárate.
Production and distribution of face shields follows earlier deliveries of ventilators, face masks, surgical gowns, gloves, glasses and antiseptic gel. As part of the response plan developed in partnership with local communities, Tenaris is also converting company-owned Hotel Siderca into a treatment center for COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms.
To learn about Tenaris’s management plan to address the COVID-19 crisis, please visit https://www.tenaris.com/en/covid19/
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