Guidance for Producers of Critical Medical Equipment and Supplies

March 26, 2020

Thank you for wanting to help the public health community’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic!

We are encouraging companies that are producing or have pivoted to producing needed items to do the following:

• Want to make sure that others in the state know what you manufacture? Register on https://www.manufacturednc.com/. This site has existed for some time and is where we are directing individual hospitals and care providers who reach out to us seeking specific resources and items.

Are you a manufacturer willing to help with the production of finished PPE or materials? Is your business able to pivot to manufacturing Personal Protective Equipment? Manufacturers interested in contributing to textile PPE (gowns, masks, gloves, etc.) can contact the Carolina Textile District (CTD) for help in transitioning their production to prototype and producing medical supplies during the COVID-19 crisis. Contact Carolina Textile District for more info at sara@theindustrialcommons.org or by phone at 828-674-3141

Are you an NC Manufacturer that can provide assistance producing critical healthcare products? Complete this form. The NC Manufacturing Extension Partnership will share the information with state and federal leaders who are seeking needed items. This includes parts or production of respirators.

Looking for a site that facilitates connections for supplies and resources? BIO created the Coronavirus Hub to connect companies with capacity and resources with those that need them, including medical research centers, biopharmaceutical companies, testing developers and testing sites requesting supplies. The new hub will enable users to post requests for urgently needed items, as well as posting availability of supplies and capacity.

Importing materials from international locations? If your company is considering importing needed items or raw materials from overseas and you would like assistance vetting foreign sellers, please reach out to Michael Cole, International Trade Manager at the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina at michael.cole@edpnc.com or by calling (919) 794-1158.

Looking to sell medical supplies to the federal government? Go to FEMA and select the right option under “How To Help – Private Sector”.

Interested in selling to the State of New York? The State of New York has a critical need for medical supplies and is looking for suppliers. If your business or company has or can make Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gowns, gloves, or masks, email covid19supplies@esd.ny.gov. We know that many NC companies are making their home state the priority, but this is a way for us to help our friends in the Empire State.

 

Additional Resources for NC Manufacturers

NCSU Industry Expansion Solutions – For business and engineering expertise for companies seeking to expand or explore new product areas.

Manufacturing Solutions Center – For testing and product development, contact Dan St. Louis at dstlouis@manufacturingsolutionscenter.org or 828-327-7000 ext. 4292.

American Apparel Producers Network – For access to textile supplies or companies that can sew for you.

Defense Logistics Agency – Main sourcing agency for the entire US military. DLA is seeking personal protective equipment. Contact Jessica De La Hoz at jessica.delahoz@dla.mil.

Food and Drug Administration – FDA is interested in hearing from manufacturers who may be able to help mitigate potential shortages of the above product codes by increasing the U.S. availability of such devices. These manufacturers may email FDA contacts at deviceshortages@fda.hhs.gov, which is closely monitored and has proven to be a valuable resource thus far in helping FDA mitigate potential supply chain disruptions.