AirBoss Defense Group Enlists Celestica to Manufacture Air Purifying Respirator Components to Help Protect Frontline Workers Treating COVID-19

Production is Part of Contract Awarded to AirBoss Defense Group by U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

TORONTO, May 07, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Celestica Inc. (NYSE, TSX: CLS), a leader in design, manufacturing and supply chain solutions for the world’s most innovative companies, today announced it has been contracted by AirBoss Defense Group (ADG), a world leader in the supply of survivability solutions for the defense and first responder industries, to produce critical components for air purifier respirator systems used in frontline efforts to combat COVID-19.

Under terms of the agreement, Celestica will manufacture printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) modules for FlexAir^TM Powered Air Purifying Respirators (FlexAir PAPR) systems. The devices are used extensively as part of a personal protective equipment (PPE) system by first response, hospital and emergency medical services personnel worldwide. Celestica’s supply chain and engineering teams have sourced the required components and materials for the devices. Celestica will provide value-added engineering support.

“To help meet the urgent demand for PPE for hospitals and frontline workers, we worked closely with ADG to rapidly develop a solution that met their timeline and product requirements,” said Darryl Sills, General Manager, Canada Operations, Celestica. “Celestica takes great pride in supporting companies like ADG to provide the equipment that will help to protect lives.”

FEMA awarded the contract to ADG, a majority-owned subsidiary of AirBoss of America, for the manufacture of 100,000 FlexAir^TM PAPR systems, 600,000 filters and related accessories. Initial deliveries of the circuit board assemblies for the PAPRs will commence promptly from one of Celestica’s North American facilities to help ADG meet their commitments to FEMA.

“In the fight against COVID-19 speed and quality are critical,” said Chris Bitsakakis, President and COO of AirBoss of America. “Turning to an industry-leader like Celestica will help us get life-saving equipment deployed into the field on a large scale as quickly as possible.”

About Celestica

Celestica enables the world's best brands. Through our recognized customer-centric approach, we partner with leading companies in aerospace and defense, communications, enterprise, healthtech, industrial, capital equipment, and energy to deliver solutions for their most complex challenges. As a leader in design, manufacturing, hardware platform and supply chain solutions, Celestica brings global expertise and insight at every stage of product development - from the drawing board to full-scale production and after-market services. With talented teams across North America, Europe and Asia, we imagine, develop and deliver a better future with our customers.