Samsung Group and the South Korean government have reportedly worked together to secure 2.5 tons of melt-blown nonwoven fabric for surgical mask filters from overseas. The first shipment arrived on March 26, and the supply will be used for manufacturing up to 2.5 million masks starting today – March 27.
Samsung had extended its efforts to fight the spread of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) by lending its expertise to domestic surgical mask manufacturing companies and establishing smart factories to speed up the production. But mask factories were facing another problem and couldn't take full advantage of their improved production lines due to supply shortages of mask filters.
KOTRA and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy began searching for mask filter suppliers from overseas last month, according to Business Korea. They've found two exporters from two unspecified countries – one of which is located in Europe – who met their standards. But there was yet another problem.
Samsung's efforts were pivotal in securing the materials without delays
The South Korean government had to go through a complicated procedure to be able to contact these mask filter manufacturers directly. This is where Samsung Group stepped in, and with the help of the company, the South Korean government was able to secure the latest shipment without further delays. Samsung and the suppliers from overseas have signed a contract and the imported mask filters were given to the Public Procurement Service of Korea.
2.5 tons of material were shipped this week, but with Samsung's help, South Korea will now import a total of 53 tons of melt-blown nonwoven fabric from overseas until June. 4.5 tons will arrive in South Korea next week.
In addition, domestic chemical fiber manufacturer Toray Advanced Materials will start producing 13 tons of nonwoven fabric every day, starting March 31. To achieve this, the company will repurpose its existing diaper material production line in the North Gyeongsang Province, where Samsung's Gumi plant is also located.
