Spartanburg textile plant answers need for medical gowns

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Spartanburg’s Johns Mansville textile plant began producing nonwoven polyester fabric for Level 3 personal protective equipment this month, following the company’s decision to produce masks at their Richland, Miss., plant.

“There is a desperate need in North America and in Europe for medical gowns,” John Vasuta, president of Johns Manville’s engineered products line, said in the news release. “Our teams are working quickly to create solutions and manufacture a new coated polyester spunbond nonwoven fabric. We are going through unprecedented times so every step to support health care workers and others on the front lines helps right now.”

On a regular basis, the 100-person plant makes polyester nonwoven products for filtration, roofing and other applications for the Berkshire Hathaway company, according to the release. The fabric, called Evalith 017/120H3, has been tested for water resistance and flammability in accordance to U.S. Food and Drug Administration standards.

“The fabric offers superior liquid barrier performance compared to materials used for Level 1 and Level 2 medical gowns, while also providing comfort and stitch-strength,” Souvik Nandi, director of nonwovens technology at Johns Manville, said in the release.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Level 3 personal protective equipment covers the full spectrum of PPE.