Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is using its production and resources to benefit health workers during this pandemic.
The Northern Nevada-based advanced manufacturing company is known for producing spacecraft, life support systems in space and pilot safety equipment.
Now, the company is switching gears and using laser cutters to produce devices known as "ear savers," credited for relieving ear pain caused by prolonged use of face masks.
"SNC's reputation was built on producing life-saving technologies that support and protect explorers and heroes," said Chairwoman and President Eren Ozmen. "Using our resources to provide relief to out local heroes right now is a no brainer," she added.
SNC became aware of this issue after its team of engineers sent in reports of nurses and doctors experiencing ear pain from wearing their face masks for long periods of time.
"Ear savers themselves are a small item but the relief they can provide is significant," said Director of manufacturing and Test Engineering for SNC's Electronic Information Systems business area. "My team and I had been itching for a way to help and we are excited and proud to bring some physical comfort to the medical professionals on the front line of this pandemic."
So far, SNC has donated 600 ear savers to three local hospitals and they plan to keep going. SNC officials say they have the capability to produce hundreds of ear savers a day and they say more donations are planned for other front line healthcare workers in the area.
For more information, visit: https://www.sncorp.com/
