Black Mountain resident David Billstrom to speak before congressional subcommittee

Kitsbow CEO will address company’s pivot to PPE production

The Valley Echo
July 1, 2020

Old Fort-based cycling apparel manufacturer Kistbow began producing personal protective equipment, like the disposable face shield pictured above, in March. The company’s CEO, David Billstrom, will provide testimony about the process before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Access on July 2, in a supply chain resiliency hearing . Photo courtesy of Kitsbow Cycling Apparel

The sudden arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic created uncertainty for many businesses around the country, but Old Fort-based cycling apparel company Kitsbow wasted little time charting a new course. The manufacturing company, headed by CEO and Black Mountain resident David Billstrom, shifted its resources from apparel to personal protective equipment to support medical professionals in the battle against the virus. 

To date, Kitsbow has delivered nearly 90,000 units of PPE — including face shields and two types of face masks — to first responders, medical providers and other frontline workers in a variety of industries. Beginning at 9 a.m., Thursday, July 2, Billstrom will provide testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Access detailing the company’s journey. 

Kitsbow relocated its headquarters from California to Old Fort in late 2019. The company transitioned to manufacturing PPE in March.

Appearing before the subcommittee for a hearing on supply chain resiliency, Billstrom will discuss Kitsbow’s journey towards U.S. manufacturing, which was ultimately the catalyst that allowed the premium bike apparel brand to be nimble in its efforts, pivoting its sole focus to producing PPE in just four days. 

The CEO will share testimony detailing the challenges faced by the brand, and how Kitsbow built its team and fostered partnerships in Western North Carolina to not only stay afloat as a small business, but also make a difference in the community and the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Billstrom is one of four witnesses set to testify in tomorrow’s hearing before the subcommittee of the House Small Business Committee. The proceedings can be viewed here.

The company produces two types of face masks — the Kitsbow Face Mask, Reusable HEPA Type and the Wake ProTech Reusable Face Mask. Kitsbow also manufactures clear disposable face shields. 

Kitsbow, as of June 28, had delivered 44,170 of the FDA authorized face shields and 43,272 reusable face masks. 

The pivot to PPE also allowed the company to hire more than 20 additional full-time employees, bringing the staff to a total of 54. Kitsbow is currently hiring more employees.