Italy: the most “glamorous” manufacturing conversions during the global emergency

Face masks from Gucci, protective gowns from Armani, lung ventilators from Ferrari: from the haute couture to the automotive industry to cosmetics, many high-end Italian brands have converted their production for the benefit of the community during the COVID-19 emergency. 

Textile companies were the first to respond to the growing demand for medical masks and overall suits. From Armani to Gucci, from Prada to H&M, the list of brands that decided to put fashion aside to devote themselves to the health emergency is a long on in Italy and worldwide.

Italy’s most famous designer, Giorgio Armani, converted all its Italian production plants into the production of disposable gowns intended to protect health workers’ protection. The Prada group produced gowns masks, and Calzedonia, the country’s biggest hosiery group, also converted some of its factories.

Cosmetics companies also took the opportunity to help. The Davines Group, a cosmetic company based in Parma, focused its production on hand sanitizing gel. Until a vaccine for COVID-19 is available, soap remains the best first line of defense, therefore Unilever launched initiatives in several countries, including Italy, with teams manufacturing and distributing millions of bars of free soap.

As for lung ventilators, the Bologna-based Siare Engineering is the only Italian manufacturer of these devices, and the government commissioned the production of 500 ventilators per month for four months. Ferrari and Fiat Chrysler opened their sites to support the creation of components and the assembly of respirators. 

Innovation companies, especially those specializing in 3D printing, were also crucial. A known case is that of the conversion of the Decathlon snorkeling mask. With the application of a 3D printed valve, it has been transformed into an emergency respiratory mask for sub-intensive therapy.

Export Portal is committed to supporting SMEs around the world during the COVID-19 crisis. Free registration is granted to companies sourcing products that are essential to the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. To further assist our users, from now until the end of 2020, all Certification and sales fees are waived. Start trading today!