Ford SA continues production of face shields

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) took initiative soon after the COVID-19 pandemic reached South African shores by producing protective face shields at its Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria. Now in its fourth month of production, the initiative has assembled more than 285 000 face shield to assist the government in mitigating the spread of the virus while protecting frontline medical workers and public health officials.

At the time of writing this article, 276 242 positive cases have been identified with 134 874 recoveries and sadly 4 079 deaths recorded as indicated on the website, www.sacoronavirus.co.za.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our lives in immeasurable ways and forced everyone to rethink everything from the way we do business, go about our everyday tasks such as shopping and schooling, and even how we interact with family and friends. It has also united humanitarian organisations and the general public in support of the COVID-19 health initiatives, and in reaching out to the most vulnerable members of our society,” Neale Hill, Managing Director, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.

“Through our face shields project, we are exceptionally proud to be playing an important role in protecting the country’s public health workers who are at the frontline battling this devastating pandemic, as they are most at risk of contracting this disease at a time when we need them most,” Hill added.

The clear polyethylene shields are produced following global health standards and protects user’s eyes, nose and mouth from exposure should someone cough or sneeze close to their face. The shields are kept in place using polyurethane foam padding and an elastic latex fabric headband. The shields produced at the Silverton Assembly Plant since the beginning of April are reusable and can be sanitized after each use as per the instructions packaged with each unit. The initiative has so far been funded by FMCSA, Ford dealers, suppliers and business partners, as well as the Absa Group.

“Through the various contributions received, we have so far managed to donate almost 140 000 face shields to the Department of Health’s centralised warehouse in Centurion. We have also supported various hospitals, clinics, old age homes and non-profit organisations with face shield donations,” Ockert Berry, Vice President of Operations, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.

In addition to supplying medical staff, 25 wildlife conservation and education projects around the country have received over 1 100 face shields from the initiative as part of efforts supported by the Ford Wildlife Foundation. Efforts to assist in the mitigation of the spread of COVID-19 are not just in the production of face shields for hospitals, clinics and wildlife conservation and education projects but also the implementation of safety measures at both the Silverton Assembly Plant, and at the Struandale Engine Plant.

Prior to the phased-in restart of operations at both plants which commenced on 1 June, Ford has implemented measures to protect its employees. Measures include comprehensive and ongoing cleaning of its facilities and workstations, daily screening of all staff members and the consistent supply of personal protective equipment. Social distancing measures are adhered to as workstations and common areas have been reconfigured to meet required distances.

In addition to screening efforts, both plants also introduced on-site Flu Clinics to assist employees or contractors which shows flu-like symptoms. FMCSA has also implemented steps to ensure that all staff that can work from home such as administration, purchasing, logistics, sales and marketing personnel. These steps have been mirrored at Ford dealers across the country to ensure staff and client safety.

Ford SA recently partnered up with the Gift of the Givers Foundation which will monitor and allocate all donations to the initiative accordingly. Individuals and businesses that would like to donate to the production of face shields can do so by donating funds to the Gift of the Givers Foundation using the reference: Ford.

Banking details below:

Account Name:                      Gift of the Givers

Institution:                              Standard Bank

Branch:                                     Pietermaritzburg

Account number:                 052137228

Branch Code:                         057525

Deposit Reference:             Ford

Shield production at the Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria: