East Twin Cities

As the COVID-19 outbreak has continued to unfold, few items have been a more in-demand commodity than masks — specifically N95 masks from 3M. 

According to StarTribune, 3M’s N95 masks have been deemed the favorite of health care providers, blocking 95% of airborne particles, which is especially useful when combating the coronavirus. 

At the beginning of the year, only 15% of the masks were produced for health care providers and customers but that number has risen to 90%.

Meanwhile, 3M is attempting to increase their production of the masks, realizing that they are some of the best options for the defense of those in the health care industry. 

While 3M has faced a great deal of challenges and remains in high-demand as a producer of hygiene commodities, Edward Jones analyst, Matt Arnold, said that the company could still be damaged by the economic downfall that is hitting the nation. 

“3M is definitely not immune from what is transpiring in the economy, but there are pieces of the economy that are obviously going to see somewhat of a windfall,” Arnold said.

3M previously had put in the measures to be able to handle an increased demand for production during the SARS and H1N1 outbreak. 

According to StarTribune, “At that time, 3M bought extra manufacturing equipment for each of its factories around the world that made personal protective equipment (PPE).”

After the coronavirus task force was put together, headed up by Vice President Mike Pence, 3M was considered an ideal company to help supplement the lack of masks. 

Pence made a visit to 3M’s Maplewood campus and requested that one change be made to the regulation, which would make it possible for the N95 masks to be sold to U.S. health care providers. 

Even so, 3M has had to call on volunteers with factory experience, in order to help maintain the high levels of production.