This local manufacturer is making a different kind of mask to combat COVID-19

STATESVILLE, N.C. — Founder Sport Group, a sports apparel manufacturing company based in Statesville, was having a great 2020 in terms of business.

Everything changed March 13.

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Due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, sporting events came to a halt. Founder serves high school sports, youth sports and some small colleges with uniforms and apparel. Demand for those products suddenly plummeted as leagues canceled or indefinitely suspended play.

As the company looked for new business in order to keep its facilities open and save as many jobs as possible, Founder leveraged its sewing capabilities and materials to make masks — but not the type that others are making.