North Texas High-End Leather Apparel and Shoe Company Making Masks Amid Covid-19 Pandemic

DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) – Marciante and Company typically makes clothing, bags and shoes made of high-quality leather for discerning customers who want local, hand-made goods.

Now, the Dallas-based company is in the businesses of making badly-needed masks amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

When the pandemic hit back in March, the company was one of millions of non-essential businesses that were told to shut down to curb the spread.

It’s a situation owner Matt Marciante and his wife found troubling.

“My wife, the co-owner of the company, and I made the decision that we didn’t want to layoff any staff or cut hours or anything like that. We decided to get creative and find a way to keep moving,” he said.

After realizing they had everything they needed at the factory, workers began producing masks. The factory typically cranks out 300 to 500 per day.

“I think we would love to be able to get to the point where we could do 100 per hour. The demand is definitely growing here in Dallas but there are some other states where wearing a mask is mandatory so there…the demand is pretty high,” said Marciante.

They’ve already sold two thousand masks and donate three for every one sold.

“So, those have been going to churches, police departments, postal workers, retirement homes even dentists offices,” said Marciante.

He said he doesn’t regret his decision to switch gears and urges other companies that are able to consider the same path.

“People are going to remember how businesses treated their employees and other people and how they contributed to the community during this time,” said Marciante.

Click here for more information about the masks.