JAMESTOWN — SKF Aerospace recently expressed a need to the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency to purchase masks for its 500 production staff due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the CCIDA had become aware that The Resource Center was mass-producing fabric masks. In response to SKF’s request, the IDA contacted TRC on SKF’s behalf and was directed to contact Bruce Theuret, general manager at Support Enterprises, Inc.

As a result of this connection, SKF Aerospace Factory Manager Robert Massaro contacted Support Enterprises (a sister company to The Resource Center) to design a “break away capable” fabric mask with Velcro fasteners to prevent injury from plant equipment. The initial contact, prototype development, and mask testing were all accomplished in less than one day. This culminated in SKF placing an order for 1,000 of the newly designed masks.

“When I received the call from SKF, I was thrilled that we could help,” said Theuret. “Any time we can work with a local company to assist with the production of any type of sewn product, especially during this challenging time, it is great thing as we keep people employed and keep our business dollars local. This is a win-win for both organizations. Support Enterprises, as well as our sister company, The Resource Center, stand ready to meet the mask needs of any other local businesses. I greatly appreciate the assistance the CCIDA provided in facilitating the connection between Support Enterprises and SKF.”

“I’m glad that our team at the CCIDA could facilitate this connection, resulting in two great companies helping each other,” said Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and CEO of the CCIDA. “We intend to continue to make these connections now and after the COVID-19 crisis secedes.”

“In the end, despite all the skills we teach the developmentally disabled, we are taught much more about life from them,” said Theuret.

County Executive PJ Wendel, who has been at the forefront of the pandemic, said, “Not only is a local company producing much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE), but its selling them to a local company who is in full production and is being prudent about the health and safety of its workforce. This is a great story of businesses in our community working together!”

Bob Massaro, SKF Factory Manager, said, “We are glad to find a local resource for our masks, and a responsive one at that. In this transaction, we got a needed commodity fast, while local citizens have genuine work to stay employed. This is good for everyone.”