Ensuring American-Made PPE Keeps Us Safe: An AMMA Conversation

During the pandemic, Tom Allen founded Altor Safety to respond to the urgent need for personal protective equipment (PPE). Witnessing the dire consequences of PPE shortages in oncology clinics and other medical settings, Tom was inspired to take action.?

With the support of funding from New York State and his own investment, he focused on domestic mask production to combat the crisis head-on. Like many AMMA members, he answered the nation’s call to help save lives through domestic-made PPE.

At the heart of Altor's operations is a profound commitment to localized manufacturing. By producing surgical masks in New York and N95 respirators in Massachusetts, Altor ensures stringent quality control and bolsters regional economies. Altor is also committed to domestic sourcing of its cotton, steel, and polypropylene and makes its masks in the US. Therefore, all masks are Berry Amendment compliant.

This approach prioritizes efficiency and accessibility and has won Altor strong relationships with industrial distributors like Grainger to help supply America’s industrial and public sectors.?

“One of the successes we are proud of is that during COVID, we provided all of the masks to the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) through an RFP we helped win. It was amazing to walk through airports and see our masks on hundreds of TSA staff working to keep travelers safe,” Tom Allen said.

Like many AMMA members, Altor competes with cheaper foreign imports of lower quality every day. To help combat this unfair competition, Altor promotes government reimbursement programs in Medicare/CMS for using domestic N95s. Tom is a loud voice to his distributors and customers, highlighting the importance of supporting local manufacturing for public health and national security.?

Altor's commitment to innovation extends to product design, sustainability, and transparency. Focusing on lean processes and fast fulfillment, Altor ensures timely delivery without compromising quality or quantity. In addition, as a domestic manufacturer, Altor can provide transparent communication regarding testing, product lifecycle, and certifications to build trust and confidence in its products.?

“We are one of the only providers to have a seven-year shelf life on our products,” Tom said. “When customers take possession of our masks, they can rest easily and know they are stocked well, and there will be no surprises if they set them aside for the next public health emergency.”?

Altor was also among the first to introduce kids' masks to expand accessibility while maintaining high protection standards.?

“We saw a real need in the market for masks that would be comfortable for children.? Through proprietary innovations, we made some product adjustments to ensure that children, especially those in a medical setting, would be protected,” Tom said.

Altor is also prepared for any future public health crises. It stocks at least three months of domestically sourced raw materials to meet potential client’s needs or public health demand surges.

Altor plans to play a pivotal role in ensuring national self-sufficiency in essential supplies. Through proactive outreach and collaboration within associations like AMMA, Altor is not just a participant but a catalyst in elevating the influence of domestic suppliers and promoting cooperative manufacturing initiatives.?

“I’m inspired daily to help secure our nation's supply chain. We will do our part to embody resilience, demonstrate reliability, and drive innovation in safeguarding public health and national interests,” Tom concluded.

Altor Safety is a founding member of AMMA.? Tom serves as a board member and treasurer of AMMA. https://www.altorsafety.com/