Burnaby, BC – Mustang Survival®, the Canadian brand known for innovative solutions for the most demanding marine environments, has been saving the lives of water professionals for over 50 years. Now they are turning their attention to saving lives on land as they proudly announce their intention to produce more than 150 thousand Level 3 Medical isolation gowns for The National Public Health Authority of Canada.
The federal contract was awarded to Mustang Survival after they pivoted from manufacturing life vests, survival suits and dry suits for Military, public safety professionals and marine recreational users, to solving the issues in supply chain and production of PPE facing the Canadian healthcare sector.
Initially collaborating alongside innovative and cutting-edge British Columbia manufacturers and apparel companies—Boardroom Clothing, KenDor Textiles and Arc’teryx—they developed and tested the original prototype for the Level 3 waterproof gown at the beginning of April.
And, were subsequently contracted to manufacture 90,000 gowns for the Vancouver Health Authority (to be produced between all three companies). Mustang Survival then continued to work with the Canadian Federal Government to fulfill the overwhelming demand for PPE across Canada and was officially awarded the new larger contract this week.
“We are incredibly proud to live our purpose in a new field, delivering confidence to frontline health care workers”, says President Jason Leggatt. “Our team has been working around the clock to design, test and create this reusable, waterproof medical gown to meet the stringent health authority requirements. Now the job pivots to scaling up our production and working with local subcontractors to fulfill this new order”.
While priority of current production will still be focused on the local BC health care sector, Mustang Survival will be investing in machinery and staff as well as increasing shifts at their Burnaby Factory to help fulfil the larger federal contract. They are also overseeing the subcontracting of work with other small local manufacturing facilities who have existing sewing capabilities, supporting the continued employment of many local skilled workers during these unusual times.
Likewise, Mustang Survival is working with its sister company The Patten Company in Florida to produce 1,500 gowns for the West Virginia National Guard.
As part of The Wing Group, the companies are looking to secure a contract with FEMA which will enable them to create a rapid growth pipeline to manufacture this same high-quality reusable healthcare PPE in the US and around the world. Mustang Survival is confident the collective capacity to produce these gowns can make a significant contribution to those putting their lives at risk every day to fight the virus.
Timeline of Gown Development:
Early March VCH reached out to BC Apparel & Gear Association looking to get ahead of supply chain issues in PPE for Vancouver Health Care workers
Mid-March
Mustang Survival began collaboration on new gown design with BC companies, The Boardroom, KenDor textiles and Arc’teryx.
Diving into prototyping to rapid testing, Mustang Survival flipped their innovation lab—the Waterlife Studio—in Burnaby, BC into a rapid-response facility dedicated to finding a solution for this public safety crisis. Backed with the support of local health care officials to reach safety-certified status.
April 1
Initial order for VCH – first 500 delivered in first week
Contract for 90,000 Gowns for VCH was confirmed in this week.
April 19
Contract Awarded to Mustang Survival for 150,000 Level 3 isolation gowns
May
Mustang Survival scales up its own production at Burnaby Facility, adding sewers, seam sealers, machinery, and extra shifts.
They will also oversee the production of the gowns between smaller companies in the lower mainland – cutting & bundling gown packages to be sewn at various locations.
All Quality Control, testing and standards being overseen by the Mustang Survival team.
With large scale production needing to get underway as soon as possible there is a need for local sewers to come forward to help.