Saddleback’s Mexico-based leather craftsmen redeployed
US leathergoods brand Saddleback Leather has converted its production lines at its factory in Mexico to produce reusable gowns and masks.
Owner Dave Munson said: “We changed our leather factory over to a reusable face mask and gown factory because our front line medical staff are using trash bags and shower curtains right now. If we are out of stock of leather bags for a while, please be patient with us.”
He said gowns and masks are being trucked over the border “in their thousands” each week and is offering the stock to medical staff.
“I heard President Trump and our Texas Governor, Greg Abbott, both ask for anyone who has the capability to manufacture Personal Protective Equipment or medical devices to please start making them immediately to help us get through this crisis,” he added. “So I spoke with my beautiful wife, Suzette, and we decided, just like thousands of other Americans, to do what we can.
"We read that the top three desperately needed PPEs are masks, gloves and isolation gowns, in that order. It’s a no brainer then. If we can sew the longest lasting most durable leather bags in the world, then we can surely sew isolation gowns and face masks to keep our front line medical staff safe, healthy and helping.”
