Rough Linen ramps up gratis production
Joining the growing number of independent organizations and companies uniquely qualified to assist in producing medical personal-protection gear, Marin-based home-linen goods brand Rough Linen has started making masks for Kaiser Permanente.
So far this week, Rough Linen has produced 100 masks for medical staff, healthcare workers and first responders, all of which are scheduled to ship tomorrow. The gratis production will ramp up to 150 to 250 masks per week until there is no further need, the company said in a statement.
“This is a wonderful use for our linen,” says Rough Linen Founder Tricia Rose. “We always try to minimize waste and this is the best possible way for us to give back to the community when it needs us most.”
The masks are made from Rough Linen’s linen sheeting and created per specifications provided by Kaiser Permanente Safety Specialist Rachel Clawson. Rough Linen now also provides complimentary linen to Kaiser’s volunteer sewing team.
To maintain health safety, the company’s seamstresses and fulfillment workers work staggered shifts, in separate areas, wearing masks of their own (the company has long practiced responsible manufacturing processes). In the meantime, limited staff is overseeing Rough Linen’s online store.
