Bodi Energy gets $560K state grant to retool for COVID-19 respirator-mask production

ITHACA — An Ithaca energy company known for developing technologies for electric-vehicle batteries is using a state grant to retool its facility for N95 respirator-mask production. 

Empire State Development (ESD) on May 15 announced it has awarded Bodi Energy $560,000. It’s part of more than $4 million that ESD awarded to eight New York state companies to produce needed testing supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The firms can utilize the funding to retool their business lines and pivot to manufacturing supplies for ongoing response and recovery efforts.

Bodi Energy is using its award to adjust its facility for the N95 respirator-mask production. The firm normally specializes in “non-flammable electrolyte [systems] for lithium-ion batteries.”

The Bodi project will involve a $3 million investment, which supports a team of 14 full-time employees and a manufacturing capacity of 60,000 masks per day, or 15 million masks per year.

Bodi’s masks will use a patented Cornell University technology “expected to deliver a superior particle capture efficiency at lower pressure drop than conventional melt-blown fibers and set a new standard of novel air filtration that allows for N99 and N100 ratings with significantly better breathability and comfort,” per an ESD news release. 

The ramp-up process will include the purchase of machinery and equipment, training of employees, and setup and configuration of the manufacturing line. 

The effort seeks to fast track the masks for National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) certification over the next few months, ESD said. 

Eric Donsky is CEO and co-founder of Bodi Energy. The other co-founder is Yong Lak Joo.