Paragon Health expands factory to become major international manufacturer of medical face masks
A Northern Ireland medical device manufacturer, Paragon Health, is fast becoming a major international manufacturer and exporter of Type IIR medical masks.
Having seen the need for high-quality medical masks, the family behind Seating Matters – a specialist in clinical and therapeutic seating solutions – have repurposed and expanded their medical device factory to manufacture Type IIR disposable, medical masks in Northern Ireland under the Paragon Health banner.
Martin Tierney, Director of Seating Matters and sister company Paragon Health, commented: “In today’s environment, our health service, transportation, retail & hospitality sectors cannot continue to function based on importing PPE from abroad.
“We saw the need for high quality medical masks and so we established one of the largest medical mask manufacturing operations in the UK to supply our healthcare workers, the public, tourists and travelers.”
Paragon Health – an ISO certified medical device factory – is now producing the Type IIR disposable, medical masks for domestic use and for export. The company was established to help meet the demands for personal protective equipment (PPE) and to provide a stable and safe local supply of surgical masks.
In order to re-tool for the manufacture of these medical masks, the company has invested a six-figure sum to build a clean-room, manufacturing space, sterilisation facility and decontamination chamber.
Furthermore, 25 jobs have been created in the construction phase, with Paragon Health confirming that many more jobs will be created to help manufacture and export these products.
“With a capacity in excess of 1,000,000 masks per week, we have the ability to serve local demands and to export these items around the world,” Martin added.
The Type IIR disposable, medical masks are made to the following specification:
- Compliant with EN 14683:2019
- 3-ply SMS fabric
- Dimensions: 17.5cm x 9.5cm
- Fluid resistant
- Latex-free
- ≥98% Bacterial Filtration Efficiency
- Ultrasonic welded construction
- Adjustable nose bridge
- Stretchable: Expands to cover nose, chin and mouth.
In the challenging times created by the coronavirus pandemic, Paragon Heath says it is poised to play a key role in getting back to work safely and to supply PPE for future waves of COVID-19.
