Chinese Carmakers Are Now Making Face Masks, Prompted by Coronavirus
- Firms make their own to improve safety as operations resume
- Plants’ flexibility highlights China’s manufacturing prowess
Protective masks sit on the assembly line at a factory in Shanghai.
Photographer: Qilai Shen/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
A shortage of face masks has prompted Chinese companies from car manufacturers to energy providers to start making their own to help fight the coronavirus.
Auto companies including BYD Co. have reconfigured production lines to churn out masks that can help block particles and germs, with petroleum giant Sinopec and iPhone assembler Foxconn joining the fray. Some are also dabbling in disinfectant and goggles.