DOD details latest Defense Production Act move to increase N95 mask supply

The Defense Department, using authorities under the Defense Production Act, has awarded $133 million in contracts to three companies to increase domestic N95 mask production by more than 39 million over the next 90 days, according to a Pentagon announcement.

The companies who have been awarded contracts are: 3M for $76 million, O&M Halyward for $29 million and Honeywell for $27.4 million.

"3M will add 78 million units within [six] months, with an additional 13 million units per month by June," according to a statement from DOD spokesman Lt. Col. Mike Andrews. "3M will accelerate production by converting a current equipment supplier into a N95 producer, and will also expand meltblown material production in the Sheboygan Falls, [WI], and Aberdeen, [NE], plants."

Meanwhile, O&M Halyward will add 25 million units within six months, with an additional 12.5 million masks every subsequent month, Andrews said.

"O&M Halyward will expand their production line by five N95 machines at their Del Rio, [TX], facility, while also expanding meltblown material production at their Lexington, NC, facility," he said.

Honeywell will add 38 million units within six months, with an additional 12 million units every month after, Andrews said.

"In addition, they will be able to complete their HHS N95 order within 10 months vs. 13 months without this action," he said. "Honeywell will accelerate production scale-up, including capital equipment, at the Smithfield, RI, plant. They will also accelerate a [second] production line at the Phoenix, [AZ], plant to provide additional domestic capacity for long-term needs."