Farmingdale, NY – Helping alleviate the dire shortage of medical protective gear is the current mission of D’Addario, a musical instrument manufacturer and Eastman Machine Company patron. D’Addario has been able to repurpose its production facilities to fabricate protective face shields for healthcare workers in need.

Cutting the FDA approved Dynatomy clear film for its face shields is usual practice for D’Addario. It is the same material and process used to fabricate the popular Evans G2 drumhead. Even before D’Addario factories were closed, the team was devising a way to use its resources to support the global response to COVID-19. Since the end of April, the company has been producing up to 100,000 shields per week.

D’Addario has committed to making 1,500,000 face shields by the end of July but they do not plan to stop any time soon.

“It’s our intention to manufacture these shields as long as they’re needed in New York or anywhere around the globe,” says Jim D’Addario, the Chief Innovation Officer. “We feel an immense responsibility to do our part in overcoming the COVID-19 crisis.”

Committed to providing musicians the most innovative musical accessories in the world, D’Addario sources the highest quality materials and machinery. Over a decade ago, D’Addario invested in an automated conveyor system from Eastman. The American-made machine has been a reliable asset to D’Addario in its usual production of musical accessories and now medical face shields.

John D’Addario III, CEO of D’Addario, decided to name his company’s efforts Project Excelsior, after the New York State motto. Excelsior means ‘Ever Upward’ and he felt this program title captured the incredible dedication of his small team while typifying the company’s current adage: #WeWillPlayOn.

Eastman Machine Company applauds D’Addario for its ingenuity and quick turnaround in production. “Millions of medical professionals across the globe now have access to protection, because of our customers,” says Robert Stevenson, Eastman President and CEO. “I am humbled by the continued effort.”

Hundreds of cutting solutions are proudly designed and manufactured at Eastman Machine Company’s headquarters in Buffalo, New York. Complimentary test cut evaluations to capture the machine’s speed and recommended configuration are available by contacting the Eastman headquarters at +1-716-856-2200.