The company said it is “uniquely positioned to provide an industry matchmaker role”, helping connect its network of apparel manufacturers and sector players with the task force to support their transition into manufacturing masks, labels and other personal protective equipment.Coats said it will also provide high quality threads, trims and specialist products, as well as guidance on adhering to PPE regulation.

Switching production lines to make PPE can bring many challenges at each step of the process, and the Gerber PPE Task Force aims to offer advice, share best practices and unite companies in the fight against coronavirus. More than 600 companies and industry associations have already joined the initiative to address the global shortage of masks. Rajiv Sharma, group chief executive at Coats, said: “In unprecedented times we can be most effective by working together in partnerships for the greater good. By collaborating our innovation and expertise we can deliver an industry defining moment that is greater than the sum of its parts. Coats is proud to be joining the Gerber PPE Task Force and we are ready to help make a difference in keeping people safe during the pandemic.”The task force provides support from pattern design to cut and sew workflow, building a trusted supply chain and guiding manufacturers every step of the way as they convert to making personal protective equipment.Mohit Uberoi, CEO of Gerber Technology, a provider of manufacturing systems, added: “Working across the industry in a unique ecosystem of professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences has allowed us to support manufacturers’ conversion to PPE production by providing support for raw material selection, procurement, technical specifications to finished goods delivery. It is an ambitious initiative, but through a lot of hard work by the team and our partners, it is quickly becoming a powerful engine to drive solid and efficient PPE mass production.”