DemeTECH, a Miami Lakes, Florida, company that began making N95 masks in March 2020, had 30 million of them sitting in its warehouse waiting for buyers, NBC 6 South Florida reported on February 11, 2021.
What the company says
- Vice President Luis Arguello Jr. said the company struggled to reach consumers because of ad restrictions on N95 masks on Google and social media.
- He said USA-made masks cost more than masks made in China, which puts companies like his at a disadvantage in large bids.
- A box of 20 N95s sold for $80 retail on the company’s website. Wholesale prices were about half the retail amount.
- Production capacity was 150 million masks a month, and the company had 1,500 employees.
- Arguello said layoffs could follow if sales did not pick up.
“You can advertise Chinese masks, but you can’t advertise Made in the USA N95 masks.”
Luis Arguello Jr., DemeTECH
Arguello cited an ECRI study that found up to 70 percent of Chinese KN95 masks it tested did not meet USA N95 standards.
FAQ
Where is DemeTECH?
Miami Lakes, Florida.
How many masks were in stock?
About 30 million N95 masks.
What was its monthly capacity?
150 million masks, according to the company.
Source & credit
Source: NBC 6 South Florida, February 11, 2021: “Miami Lakes Maker of N95 Masks Has 30 Million on Hand”.