Iowa company makes donation for Prisma Health workers

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. If hospitals, nursing homes or first responders are interested in the Ear Savers, they may contact MSI Mold Builders at [email protected].