The Alassola textile factory in Benguela, located in the centre-west of Angola, has begun large-scale production of face masks as part of the national effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. The factory is set to manufacture 500,000 masks per month, with the potential to scale up to one million units, depending on demand.
Production Ramping Up with WHO-Approved Materials
According to technical director Hiroshi Yamamoto, the factory has already produced 3,500 masks and is accelerating its output in the coming days. The company is using stockpiled fabric originally intended for sheet production, now redirected to emergency mask manufacturing.
“We have 110 machines, and if demand increases significantly, we can scale up to reach one million masks per month,” Yamamoto said. He emphasized that the cotton fabric used meets WHO-recommended technical specifications and has been approved by the Ministry of Health.
The fabric density ranges from 170 to 180 threads per inch and 200 to 250 grams per square meter, ensuring effective filtration. Yamamoto noted that the masks’ 100% cotton composition makes them natural, ecological, breathable, and comfortable—without causing irritation even during long wear.
Strengthening Angola’s Fight Against COVID-19
Tambwe Mucaz, Chairman of Alassola’s Board of Directors, said the factory is fully committed to supporting national health protection efforts through the production of bio-safety equipment.
However, he highlighted two major challenges for the industry’s long-term success:
- Cotton, which represents 55% of the cost of the final product
- Electricity, as the factory still relies on generators and requires a more stable power solution
Expansion Plans and Future Production Capacity
In the initial phase, the mask production line is supported by 15 young workers. Once operating at full capacity, Alassola will require 1,200 employees and more than 11,000 tonnes of cotton annually to manufacture a range of textile products, including towels, blankets, embroidered goods, and bedsheets.
Revival of a Historic Angolan Textile Brand
Alassola is a 100% Angolan-owned company and operates on the former site of África Têxtil, a major textile factory that ceased operations in 1998 before declaring bankruptcy in 2000. Its revival marks an important step in rebuilding Angola’s domestic textile industry and enhancing national self-sufficiency in essential goods during the pandemic.
