WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.-- A new project in Winston-Salem is creating jobs for people who are blind, and helping the Army at the same time. The new project at IFB Solutions is called the Molle 4000.
- IFB Solutions in Winston-Salem is creating a rucksack for the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army.
- There are 480 steps in the manufacturing process, and it takes 11 hours to make one rucksack.
- This project created 62 jobs for people who are blind in Winston-Salem.
The Molle 4000 is an extremely complex rucksack. The 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army will use the high-tech tote.
"MOLLE is the Modular Lightweight Load-Lifting Equipment,” said IFB Solutions Plant Manager Garry Russ.
The Molle can carry almost 200 pounds. It has pockets, zippers, straps, and a heavy-duty frame.
"This is what the guys jump out of the planes with,” Russ explained. "We're producing about 40 a day. So, it takes us through July or August to complete this project."
Looking at the production line, you can tell the project is huge. There are 480 steps in the manufacturing process. It takes 11 hours to make one rucksack.
The best part, though, is that this project created 62 jobs for people who are blind in Winston-Salem.
"Not only in this area, we actually recruited across the county. You can meet people from all over the country who have come in, that we were able to relocate to Winston-Salem for the sole purpose of putting this bag together,” Russ said.
"I can string 40 bags in one day,” said IFB Solutions employee Tiffany Davis, who is blind.
IFB employees will produce almost 5,500 rucksacks, making Davis proud to be part of the team.
"It makes me feel good because I no longer feel like an outcast, because I can work just like everyone else can work now." said Davis.
After IFB Solutions finishes making 5,500 rucksacks for the contract, the company expects another contract to make even more.