HFC instructor helps create one-millionth face shield for frontline workers
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, HFC adjunct professor Hassan Taleb wanted to do his part to support the people on the frontlines – doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, firefighters, police officers, grocery store workers, and so on.
“I have nieces who are doctors and clinical pharmacists. They are literally living at the hospital trying to save lives. God bless them! I feel the need to help in whatever way I can,” said Taleb, of Plymouth. He works as an IT Manager at Ford Motor Co. He has taught engineering and mathematics at HFC since 2011.
A native of Africa, Taleb earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and his master’s degree in business administration from Lawrence Technological University, his master’s degree in electrical engineering from Wayne State University, and his master’s certification in IT project management from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Through Ford, he is a 6-Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt.
“Volunteering is a great service to humanity,” said Taleb.
Constructing 1 million face-shields
Since March 23, Taleb has been constructing masks, ventilators, and face shields. His work began at 3M in South Dakota and has now taken him to Troy Design & Manufacturing (TDM) in Plymouth due to supply and demand. There, he’s assisting with the construction of face shields.
TDM recently produced the 1 millionth face-shield, which has been shipped to first responders in New York City. Taleb was one of several people who signed the box shipping out the one-millionth face shield.
“We achieved one million face shields by the end of the first week of April. We are striving for two million by the end of the second week of April,” he said. “On March 23, the first 1,000 face shields were made. By March 26, Ford delivered thousands more to Henry Ford Hospital, Beaumont Health, and Detroit Receiving Hospital. We went from 1,000 face shields to a million in less than two weeks. The process has been remarkable. This has been an amazing effort by Ford, TDM, and the UAW. I am fortunate to be part of such a great company, and I am proud to work with such amazing men and women.”
Driven by unending demand
According to Taleb, each face shield is handcrafted by volunteers. More 200,000 face shields are being producing per day.
“What’s driving us is the unending demand on the frontlines for this equipment for the hospitals and first responders from all around the nation and here in the Detroit area,” said Taleb. “This is our opportunity as leaders to manage this crisis and build a brighter future.”
Taleb has been impressed by the dedication of the volunteers. He noted their workstations are designed to adhere to social distancing protocols. Every volunteer who enters the facility goes through an IR scanner for temperature reading, to ensure the safety of everyone.
“The volunteers are fantastic – they’re very kind, friendly, and happy that Ford is here to support this work,” he said. “They have been investing long hours volunteering and producing the PPE equipment to support and protect our frontline personnel. I extend my appreciation to all the people on the front lines and first responders who are saving lives daily.”
“It’s who we are”
While Taleb has seen plenty of fear, he’s also seen plenty of hope, which has been inspiring.
“Seeing the need for this equipment will help us overcome our fear, knowing that we are saving lives,” he said. “During difficult times, Americans pull together to solve tough problems and we have seen this in previous situations. It’s who we are, for sure. I want to recognize my colleagues, families, friends and other organizations, who have also been supporting the process with their inspirational comments on social media. That means a lot, and we will win this.”