Producing up to 250,000 Masks weekly, GTVL Helps Filipino Employees Adjust to the New Normal
Leading undergarment manufacturer begins developing and mass-producing reusable face masks in response to COVID-19 pandemic.
Metro Manila, Philippines – In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the Philippines’ largest undergarment manufacturers has pivoted its business model to include the production of specialized protective gear. With the ability to craft more than 250,000 cotton face masks per week, GTVL Manufacturing Inc. hopes to help other businesses secure these new daily essentials for their employees’ safety.
The company—among whose partner brands includes JOCKEY—will be utilizing the very same production facilities used to make their garments to make the reusable masks.
“The coronavirus isn’t going to just go away overnight,” says GTVL Director Nikhiel Genomal. “It’s something we’re all going to have to live with for a while. It’s going to be our new normal.”
After studying the efficacy of cotton face masks in preventing COVID-19 protection, GTVL quickly realized the role they could play in helping protect the everyday Filipino worker. The USA’s Center for Disease Control has found that the masks can prevent spread of the contagion by blocking droplets containing the virus from entering the system.
Wearing reusable cotton masks also helps medical frontliners stay safe, too. By using these instead of surgical masks or N-95 respirators, regular citizens make medical-grade protective equipment more available to the health workers who need them most.
With this in mind, GTVL understood where their 60 years of expertise in garment production would be best put to use.
“Our vertically integrated facility gives us the ability to be a production powerhouse for masks, and that gives us the responsibility to do something for our country,” Genomal says. “With the entire world in need of protective gear, importation of these supplies isn’t going to be feasible. Local manufacturers need to step up, and we’re one of the last few standing garment manufacturers in the Philippines. So we’re stepping up.”
Genomal also understood that mass production alone wasn’t enough; he saw the need to make better masks for the new normal. They, along with their team of designers, worked tirelessly to create masks that could be worn comfortably all day, if needed.
The face masks made at GTVL’s facilities are made with an ergonomic chin support to guarantee a snug fit, while soft fabric ear loops reduce the strain felt on the back of the ear. Extra-high wings help wearers avoid touching their faces. In cases of emergency, the masks also have internal pockets for N-95 inserts.
Each face mask is constructed from a sturdy 60/40 cotton-polyester blend, allowing it to retain its comfortable shape wash after wash.
GTVL is currently making the masks available by bulk order for businesses seeking to adjust to the new normal. Genomal believes that it’s one of the most effective ways to make sure each and every Filipino who needs to step out during the quarantine period—and long after it—gets the protection they need. Business owners can order the basic masks, as well as ones customized with their company logos, by making an inquiry at gtvl.com/masks.
“It isn’t just our company that has a responsibility to protect Filipino workers,” he says. “Each and every business out there needs to make sure their employees stay safe and healthy. Our role now is to help them do just that.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world significantly. Through their new initiative, GTVL hopes to help everyone be ready for that change.
With face masks set to become as vital an everyday item as underwear, it’s no surprise that the country’s biggest undergarment manufacturer has decided to step up in service of the Filipino.
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GTVL Manufacturing Industries, Inc. has been producing top-quality undergarments for Filipinos over the past 60 years. It is one of the largest garment manufacturers in the country, producing clothing for the local market and abroad along with partner brands like JOCKEY.
For more information about GTVL and their face mask initiative, contact GTVL via email at info@gtvl.com.
gtvl.com 