More than 6 million masks accumulate in the hangar of the Grâces factory, near Guingamp (22).
"We have the know-how, the production tools and no orders" fulminates William, employed at La Coop des masques since April 2021, like most of his 23 colleagues.
In fact, the French mask industry indicates that 98% of masks purchased for the French market are made in China.
“The majority of public, regional and private orders are made in China, where the masks are sold for less than 4 cents per unit,” explains Patrick Guilleminot, general manager of the Coop des Masques.
“However, relocation requires that we support the sector and that the leaders direct purchases in part towards French companies,” asserts Guy Hascöet, president of the Coop des Masques.
A demanded project, but little supported
This 100% French mask cooperative project for professionals was launched in June 2020, when France was in the midst of a shortage of protective equipment against the Covid-19 pandemic.
Production was launched in April 2021, but a few months later, employees must mobilize to save their Breton cooperative.
The production of FFP2 masks has been stopped because the stocks are too high.
The workers, usually in charge of this production line, no longer hesitate to change activity to help the switchboard, play salespeople or even sell the masks on local markets.
"We are very motivated" loose William and we are fighting to keep hope, adds his colleague Stéphane.
After a call for general mobilization to denounce the situation on social networks and in the media, new orders arrive and the factory offers to sell its masks to individuals, with a very good reception from the public.
At the price of 5 euros the box of 50 masks.