Press Releases

Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. Implementing Industrial Sewing Machines for Protective Mask Production

Grapevine, Texas - June 18, 2020

(6/12/2020)

Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. is announcing the use of its PLK-J Series industrial sewing machines to meet the demand for protective facemasks in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. These machines reduce the production time of each individual mask compared to doing it by hand, and reduce the need for experienced sewing machine operators, as the process is fully automated.

The PLK-J Series sewing machine allows for easy changeover to other sewing operations, sews consistent products and reduces production time. The machine is fully programmable and includes digital tension, presser foot motion, and material thickness detection features. Mitsubishi Electric Automation also produces an application-specific clamp for facemask production. The clamp is designed, assembled, and sewn off in-house.

“In early 2020, there was a concerning shortage of protective facemasks when the COVID-19 pandemic first broke out in North America,” said Warren Shannon, sales and operations manager for industrial sewing machines at Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. “Many retailers were sold out or had their stocks depleted early on. Amid concerns that the pandemic will worsen in the fall of 2020, we can be more ready to meet the high demand for protective facemasks by using industrial sewing machines to automate the production of these products.”

- About Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.

Headquartered in Vernon Hills, Ill., Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. is a U.S. affiliate company of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. It offers a broad product portfolio including programmable automation controllers (PAC), programmable logic controllers (PLC), human machine interfaces (HMI), variable frequency drives (VFD), servo amplifiers and motors, control software, computerized numerical controllers (CNC), motion controllers, robots and low-voltage power distribution products. Additional information about Mitsubishi Electric Automation is available at us.mitsubishielectric.com/fa/en/.

- About Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

Guided by its corporate philosophy, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) places sustainability at the core of its operations and values stakeholder trust—encompassing society, customers, shareholders and employees. In pursuing profitability, capital efficiency and growth, Mitsubishi Electric works closely alongside customers to develop value-added solutions that address today's complex challenges while enhancing the company's sustainable corporate value. Founded in 1921, Mitsubishi Electric has over a century of experience in delivering reliable, high-quality products and solutions. With over 200 group companies and approximately 150,000 employees worldwide, the company is a recognized global leader in manufacturing, marketing and selling electrical and electronic equipment and systems across a broad range of sectors, including public utility systems, energy systems, defense and space systems, factory automation systems, automotive equipment, building systems, air conditioning systems & home products, digital innovations, and semiconductor & devices. Mitsubishi Electric recorded consolidated revenue of 5,521.7 billion yen (U.S.$ 36.8 billion*) in the fiscal year that ended on March 31, 2025. For more information, please visit www.MitsubishiElectric.com.

*JPY 150=USD 1, the approximate rate on the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market on March 31, 2025

- About Mitsubishi Electric Factory Automation Business Group

Offering a vast range of automation and processing technologies, including controllers, drive products, power distribution and control products, electrical discharge machines, laser processing machines, computerized numerical controllers, and industrial robots, Mitsubishi Electric helps bring higher productivity – and quality – to the factory floor. In addition, our extensive networks around the globe provide direct communication and comprehensive support to customers. The global slogan "Automating the World" shows the company's approach to leverage automation for the betterment of society, through the application of advanced technology, sharing know-how and supporting customers as a trusted partner. For more about the story behind "Automating the World" please visit: us.mitsubishielectric.com/fa/en/about-us/news-center/automating-the-world/

- About e-F@ctory

e-F@ctory is Mitsubishi Electric's integrated concept to build reliable and flexible manufacturing systems that enable users to achieve many of their high speed, information driven manufacturing aspirations. Through its partner solution activity, the e-F@ctory Alliance, and its work with open network associations such as The CC-Link Partners Association (CLPA), users can build comprehensive solutions based on a wide ranging "best in class" principle.
In summary, e-F@ctory and the e-F@ctory Alliance enable customers to achieve integrated manufacturing but still retain the ability to choose the most optimal suppliers and solutions.

*e-F@ctory, iQ Platform are trademarks of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation in Japan and other countries.
*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
*All other trademarks are acknowledged

- Media Contact

Pam Summers
Marketing Communications Manager
Mitsubishi Electric Automation
Pam.Summers@meau.com
+1 (847) 478-2415

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