Greenville-based MSI Mold Builders donates 30,000 “Ear Savers” to front-line workers at Prisma Health to ease potential mask-wear stress
GREENVILLE, SC – Ear-loop surgical masks are must-have personal protective gear for health workers, but, over a 12-hour shift, the straps can painfully rub delicate around-the-ear skin. MSI Mold Builders, which has a manufacturing plant in Greenville, stepped in to make and donate 30,000 “Ear Savers” for healthcare workers at Prisma Health after being told of the need.
“Our ability to fill the need health workers had, to provide a little additional comfort, seemed like the least we could do,” said Roger C. Klouda, president of MSI Mold Builders. The Iowa-based company, which recently invested more than $2.5 million in its Greenville facility, manufactures injection molds tailored to the plastics industry. The company worked with Prisma Health to develop the six-inch neck straps onto which face-mask ear loops can be easily – and comfortably – attached.
In addition to the Ear Savers, MSI is also fast-tracking construction on molds for purification equipment and respirators as well as other equipment to assist in the fight on COVID-19 in both its Iowa and Greenville facilities, said Klouda. It’s also donated its Ear Savers to other hospital facilities, nursing homes, EMTs and first responders nationwide.
“Prisma Health is excited to partner with local company MSI Mold Builders so that we can work together to protect our frontline healthcare providers,” said Cody Reynolds, manager for technology transfer at Prisma Health’s Health Sciences Center. “Whether it’s during these pandemic times or more day-to-day life, we want our technology leaders to know that we value their expertise and want to explore options with them about ways we can improve the health of our shared communities.”
Prisma Health launched its rapid innovation taskforce as a key resource to help develop key operational and research needs around the COVID-19 epidemic. It is comprised of leaders and innovators from Prisma Health and industry and academic partners from the Health Sciences Center. It addresses real-time problems
identified by clinical and operational leaders and front-line providers and then develops innovative solutions for dynamic situations.
For more information about the Prisma Health Rapid Innovation Taskforce, visit https://www.prismahealth.org/rapidinnovation
MSI, meanwhile, followed its customer base to the Southeast – and Greenville in particular – because of Greenville’s centralized location, exceptional transportation facilities and exceptional labor force. “Greenville has an exceptional highly skilled labor force, and our plan is to continue to grow the Greenville facility,” said Klouda.
If hospitals, nursing homes or first responders are interested in the Ear Savers, they may contact MSI Mold Builders at earsavers@msimoldbuilders.com.
About MSI Mold Builders
MSI Mold Builders is a 100-person manufacturer of medium to large molds for a variety of plastic processes and industries and headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa since 1971. MSI make parts for medical, agricultural, recreational vehicles, heavy truck, material handling and most other industries. MSI is a U.S- based manufacturing company that does not source Chinese molds. See more at www.msimoldbuilders.com
About Prisma Health Prisma Health is a not-for-profit health company and the largest healthcare system in South Carolina. With nearly 30,000 team members, 18 hospitals, 2,984 beds and more than 300 physician practice sites, Prisma Health serves more than 1.2 million unique patients annually. Its goal is to improve the health of all South Carolinians by enhancing clinical quality, the patient experience and access to affordable care, as well as conducting clinical research and training the next generation of medical professionals. For more information, visit PrismaHealth.org.