Diestco Manufactures PPE During COVID-19 Pandemic

• By Laurie Watanabe
• Apr 22, 2020

Diestco Manufacturing Corp., best known for producing mobility accessories such as storage bags, vehicle covers, cupholders and safety products, has turned to manufacturing personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most of Diestco’s production capacity is now being used to manufacture face masks and fabricate face shields for local hospitals and healthcare facilities, a change that began the week of March 16.

Dan Diestel, the company’s owner, told Mobility Management, “The coronavirus pandemic has affected every man, woman, and child, throughout the world, in one way or another. That is no different here in Chico, Calif., home of Diestco Mfg. Corp., manufacturer of mobility accessories made in the USA for the past 28 years.

“I converted about 80 percent of my shop's attention to sewing face masks for local hospitals and municipalities the week Gov. [Gavin] Newsom issued the stay-at-home orders.”

Diestel indicated that the manufacturer’s long-time work with people who have disabilities greatly influenced Diestco’s new direction.

“Our customers using wheelchairs, scooters and walkers are in the highest level of vulnerability when exposed to the COVID-19 virus due to breathing disorders and compromised immune systems,” he said. “Being able to protect them and others to prevent the spread of the virus seemed like a no-brainer.

“The face masks are washable, reusable and present a bit of style while we all handle the coronavirus pandemic,” Diestel noted. “We are all in this together, and together we will survive.”

Diestel then quoted lyrics from the band Muse, adding, “We will be victorious.”