Louis Vuitton has launched the production of hundreds of thousands of non-surgical protective masks, re-purposing its French workshops in Marsaz and Saint-Donat (Drôme), Saint-Pourçain (Allier), Ducey (Manche) and Sainte-Florence (Vendée), where three hundred artisans are mobilised in response to the French government’s plea for the increased production of alternative non-surgical masks to aid in the battle against Covid-19.

Michael Burke, Louis Vuitton Chairman and CEO, formalised the start of production by visiting the Sainte-Florence workshop, where twenty-two artisans are voluntarily stationed and already making masks that will be provided to protect frontline healthcare workers.

Mrs. Correira, Director of the Marpa nursing-home in Sainte-Florence and Mr. Gaborieau, Director of the Saint-Vincent de Paul care home in Essarts, Bocage, both being among those receiving the newly created masks, joined Michael Burke in greeting the volunteers. These non-surgical masks have been approved by the di erent governing bodies and are created in collaboration with Mode Grand Ouest, a regional network of the textile industry who are supplying one of the main materials.

In appreciation of the volunteers’ exceptional contribution, upon visiting the Sainte- Florence workshop, Michael Burke, thanked them, declaring: “As an important French House, Louis Vuitton wishes to commit at its level to producing many thousands of masks that will be distributed within the region, at no charge, to protect those who are most exposed. This production is the fruit of a wonderful collaboration with the regional sector of the textile industry.”