Kimberly-Clark Boosts Production of Face Mask Products to Address Flu Epidemic-Related Needs

With the 2012-2013 influenza seasonreaching epidemic levels across the U.S., Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) is continuing toincrease production of face masks and other Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) products in response to increased customer demand from acute carefacilities across the country.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the fluseason began earlier than usual this year and is shaping up to be more severethan in years past[1]. Kimberly-Clark, the market leader in facial protectionin the U.S., has been closely monitoring CDC data and adjusting manufacturingschedules and inventory management in anticipation of continued increaseddemand from current customers for PPE, including face mask products."The health and safety of our valued customers and their patients is our mostimportant priority," said John Amat, Vice President of Sales and Marketing,Kimberly-Clark Health Care. "Kimberly-Clark representatives are proactivelyreaching out to all of our current customers to assure them that with ourNorth America-based product supply, we can continue to provide the highestquality facial protection products throughout the flu season."  To further help customers, their patients and consumers prevent the spread ofthe flu, Kimberly-Clark recommends these simple prevention precautions:  o Get vaccinated - The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious virus.[2] o Pay attention to hand hygiene - One of the best ways to help prevent the spread of the flu is to wash your hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.[3] o Contain the germs - Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. This will block the spread of droplets from your mouth or nose that could contain germs.[4]