European industry retools to fight coronavirus

Across Europe, a variety of companies are retooling to produce health equipment that is in short supply, from masks to life-saving ventilators.

Spanish perfume maker Puig is whipping up hand sanitiser, while automakers Seat and Renault have altered assembly lines to boost ventilator supplies and Fiat is focusing on face masks.

European planemaker Airbus is also making face shields at plants in Spain and Germany.

The fashion industry is doing its part as well against the pandemic that was killed more than 30,000 people in Europe, with more than three-quarters of the deaths registered in Italy and Spain.

Italian retailer Calzedonia, which makes lingerie and beachwear, and Barcelona-based bridal wear firm Pronovias are both now sewing face masks.

“This country’s industry is indispensable now. We are talking about a war industry, a war economy,” Spanish Industry Minister Reyes Maroto said.

Czech carmaker Skoka, another VW brand, halted production for two weeks because of the pandemic but it is now using 3D printers to help make 60 ventilators and 500 FFP-standard face masks per day.

For its part, Swiss perfume group Givaudan is retooling its production lines to make disinfectant gel, the firm said Thursday.

Read more via France 24