Bestwork Industries for the Blind, Inc. received a grant for $83,000 from Truist Foundation to invest in and install a new automated textile folding machine to help streamline processes and increase productivity. Representatives from Truist Foundation presented Bestwork with the check in early December.

“Truist is proud to partner with Bestwork Industries for the Blind,” said Travis Rhodes, Truist regional president for New Jersey and Pennsylvania. “Bestwork’s mission to employ people who are blind or people with limited vision aligns perfectly with Truist’s purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities.”

This new automated textile folding machine is an all-in-one folding, bagging and heat-sealing system that finishes about 1,000 garments per hour, which is nearly four times the amount that can be accomplished manually. Its adaptability features make the machine compatible with Bestwork’s textiles and garments, including t-shirts and fleece, allowing for consistent, efficient work. As a modular device, Bestwork can also make changes to its facility quickly if necessary.

This machine is also very adaptable for people who are blind or visually impaired, which aligns with Bestwork’s mission of improving the quality of life for people who are blind by providing

training and employment opportunities. With the purchase of this machine, Bestwork can train and upskill employees on this new machine and in other areas of production, streamlining processes and increasing productivity, all while saving manual labor hours.

“Contrary to what many people believe, automation can actually help create jobs, not eliminate them,” said Bestwork Industries President & CEO Jon Katz. “We are an organization that needs adaptable technology for our employees. We continuously strive to convert jobs from sighted to blind – non accessible to accessible – while harnessing its capabilities to improve workplace efficiencies.”