CHESAPEAKE, VA — Volvo Penta, a global manufacturer of engines and complete power systems for marine and industrial applications, is taking action in response to the need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). At two of its North American facilities, the company is producing and distributing this vital protective gear to health care workers in the local communities and beyond. The efforts are part of an ongoing initiative from Volvo Group North America, which plans to supply thousands of PPE units to health care operations across the country.

The Volvo Penta engineering team at the company’s U.S. headquarters office in Chesapeake, Virginia, has led development of medical face shields. Utilizing a Selective Laser Sintering 3D printing system and leveraging mask components manufactured by other Volvo Group business areas, the company delivered face shields to Chesapeake Regional Healthcare and has plans to continue production for further distribution.

At Volvo Penta’s engineering office in Germantown, Wisconsin, the staff has focused on development of ear guards which help to alleviate pain often experienced by health care workers wearing face masks. To date, more than 1,000 units of this protective equipment have been shipped to hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and pharmacies in seven states including: Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Florida, Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin.

“Together with our colleagues from Volvo Group North America, we are honored to support relief efforts and help protect those serving on the front lines of this pandemic,” said Martin Bjuve, President of Volvo Penta of the Americas.

In addition to the PPE production efforts, Volvo Penta also made a charitable donation to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and Eastern Shore to support those in the Hampton Roads community where the organization is based.

Across Volvo Group North America, financial aid, medical supplies, purchasing expertise, and other in-kind donations to nonprofits have been provided in multiple locations.

Volvo Penta, with approximately 3,500 dealers in over 130 countries, is a global manufacturer of engines and complete power systems for boats, vessels, and industrial applications. The engine program comprises diesel and gasoline engines with power outputs of between 10 and 1,000 hp. Volvo Penta is part of the Volvo Group, a manufacturer of heavy trucks, buses, and construction equipment.