Nine Line Apparel Develops Solution to PPE Shortage

Nine Line Apparel, a lifestyle apparel brand, partners with Gerber Technology and Top Value Fabrics to develop various protective masks.

“We are so proud to support our customers in every way possible as they develop creative and innovative solutions to the current PPE shortage,” says Pete Doscas, Gerber Technology VP and general manager Americas. “Nine Line Apparel is working tirelessly to ensure everyone has access to effective protective equipment that they can be sure is going to keep them safe.”

Nine Line Apparel was founded by patriots for patriots. In the military, a Nine Line is a medevac request for a soldier that is injured on the battlefield and since 2012 the Georgia-based company has embodied the patriotism, hope, and trust that a Nine Line represents by supporting those in need and encouraging others to do the same.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began and caused a global shortage of PPE, Nine Line Apparel jumped in to protect the nation’s heroes by producing face coverings, including a 100% reusable, medical-grade mask of medical-grade TPE.

Nine Line contacted Gerber Technology to assist them in finding a state-of-the-art facility that would allow them to produce quickly and efficiently. After learning about Nine Line’s needs such as fabric width, roll size, quantity, and packaging requirements, Gerber connected them with Integrated Textile Solutions.

Leveraging multi-ply GERBERcutters and a multi-ply GERBERspreader at the Integrated Textile Solutions facility, Nine Line is able to produce 2,000 masks and 100,000 replacement filters per day with the capacity to produce up to five million masks and 50 million filters in one month.

“The only way we’re going to get through this pandemic is if everyone works together, and we are so lucky to have such an amazing network,” says Tyler Merritt, CEO of Nine Line Apparel. “Gerber has been incredibly helpful throughout this entire process by helping us find a facility to produce at and connecting us with our partners.”

In addition to the reusable masks, Nine Line is also working with a fellow U.S. manufacturer to provide consumers with a one-size-fits-all mask at cost. For each mask sold, Nine Line will donate a mask to a frontline worker in need.