LCI & Non-Profits to Produce PPE Equipment for U.S. Air Force

By
Tammy Waitt
-
LCI
This project aims to deliver more than 576,000 face masks to Air Force bases across the country. (Courtesy of IFB Solutions)

LCI, one of the largest employers of Americans who are blind, has been tasked with distributing over 576,000 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), face masks which are being manufactured by six other non-profits, to the United States Air Force as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jeffrey Hawting, President at LCI
Jeffrey Hawting, President at LCI

“Employees who are blind are continuously working in our manufacturing centers to deliver quality products that will help to lessen the burden on our essential employees and ease fears in our community, around the corner and across the nation,” explained LCI President, Jeffrey Hawting.

“The LCI team is extremely proud to take part in delivering materials that will go directly to the men and women of the U.S. Air Force.”

LCI is responsible for the purchase, storage, and delivery of PPE for the US Air Force and has partnered with the following six non-profits for the production of the masks:

IFB Solutions started with a vision that goes beyond physical sight. And this vision is working—creating opportunities, building community and providing independence for people who are blind or visually impaired. (Courtesy of IFB Solutions)
IFB Solutions started with a vision that goes beyond physical sight. And this vision is working—creating opportunities, building community and providing independence for people who are blind or visually impaired. (Courtesy of IFB Solutions)

National Industries for the Blind (NIB), the nation’s largest employment resource for people who are blind, will coordinate the project, which will help create and sustain U.S.-based jobs for people who are blind, and provide more than 576,000 masks for the U.S. Air Force.

Headquartered in Durham, N.C., LCI has been deemed an essential workplace since the onset of the stay-at-home order in North Carolina.

LCI Employees, blind and sighted, have continued to produce essential products in their manufacturing and distribution centers such make-to-order medical kits, plastic flatware, facial tissue and kitting of Federal Medical Stations in efforts to alleviate and support the pandemic relief efforts.

LCI regularly produces products for the military under AbilityOne®,  the largest source of employment for people with disabilities, by providing products and services for the Federal government and such as mattresses, locks, shredders, chemical light sticks, and a broad variety of essential office and breakroom products.

DuWayne Gilbertson, vice president, business development at LCI
DuWayne Gilbertson, vice president, business development at LCI

“When NIB reached out to us about supplying masks for the bases, we were honored to answer the call,” said DuWayne Gilbertson, vice president, business development at LCI.

“As our country navigates its way through unchartered territory in the face of COVID-19, we feel it’s extremely important to help protect those who protect us and keep us safe every day.”

The first shipment of the personal protective equipment is scheduled to reach Air Force bases in mid-May.

LCI is a provider of manufacturing, distribution, wholesale, retail and technology consulting solutions — and one of the largest employers of Americans who are blind or visually impaired.

The company serves customers in the public and private sectors who need high quality products and services that meet procurement needs, including those of the AbilityOne program, and who want to feel confident that their purchase supports American workers.

The company’s innovative approach to business-model evolution enables them to exceed the expectations of their customers while empowering their employees to reach their highest potential.

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(Courtesy of LCI and YouTube.)

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