Hitachi Group Began Production of Face Shields

The Hitachi Group began production of face shields as a support for medical professionals who are working hard to diagnose and treat Novel Coronavirus ("COVID-19") infections and prevent their spread. The face shields will be provided free of charge on a priority basis to designated medical institutions for specified infectious and class I infectious diseases in Japan. They will also be provided free of charge to designated medical institutions for class II infectious diseases.

The face shield was designed mainly by the Research & Development Group based on the opinions of the Hitachi General Hospital, Hitachi Group. The frame part is made of polypropylene, which can be cleaned by alcohol and is also designed to be lightweight while ensuring strength and allowing ventilation. In addition, the shield part is designed to be removable and replaceable. As announced on April 22, Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd., Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc. and Hitachi Terminal Mechatronics, Corp. produce face shields at a rate of 2,000 to 3,000 units per week in total in May, and the production volume is planned to be increased to between 8,000 and 10,000 units per week in June.

The Hitachi Group is taking steps to prevent the spread of the outbreak, placing top priority on the health and safety of its employees and their families worldwide, as well as its stakeholders, customers and partners. Subsequently, the Hitachi Group is making maximum efforts to ensure an environment in which business can be conducted through remote working, whilst continuing to support our customers and maintain the functions of critical social infrastructure.

Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is focusing on Social Innovation Business combining its operational technology, information technology and products. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal 2018 (ended March 31, 2019) totaled 9,480.6 billion yen ($85.4 billion), and the company has approximately 296,000 employees worldwide. Hitachi delivers digital solutions utilizing Lumada in five sectors including Mobility, Smart Life, Industry, Energy and IT, to increase our customer’s social, environmental and economic value. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com.