Cabarrus County Manufacturers Pivot to Make Medical Supplies
As American COVID-19 cases rise, so does the demand for medical supplies.
Small businesses are switching up their models in a fight to survive during the coronavirus crisis — some in unexpected ways.
Companies throughout the U.S. are pivoting to make hand sanitizers, masks or other critical medical supplies that are in severe shortage due to the escalating coronavirus outbreak. In Cabarrus County, there are a few companies that have already shifted to meet the needs of today’s demands during this crisis.
Hydromer, which moved its operations from New Jersey to Concord last summer, immediately became engaged in the fight against COVID-19 by scaling up manufacturing of its various hand sanitizers. According to Yahoo! Finance, Hydromer announced that they are commercializing a variety of sanitizer solutions, including a U.S. FDA & World Health Organization-mandated “alcohol-based” sanitizer, which is widely needed across the entire spectrum of healthcare, safety, first response and many other critical functions (Source: finance.yahoo.com).
Hydromer is working with private and public sector entities, including various state and local government organizations to supply first responders and essential workers with much needed sanitizing products. During the pandemic, Hydromer has donated hand sanitizers to the Cabarrus Partnership for Children, Concord Police Department, Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, and many others.
Local hemp manufacturer, Hem Mills, completely switched over to producing elastic to help meet the demands for the material. There is a huge shortage of one-inch elastic for companies that are making badger shields and surgical masks to protect medical staff during COVID-19. Currently, Hem Mills is trying to meet the production of about a half million 13″ strips of elastic per week.
Watch this interview with Hem Mills CEO Madison Sexton to learn more about this shift to produce elastic for medical supplies. (Video by: Market Street Studios)
Other Local Companies to Pivot During COVID-19:
Corning Inc. donated surgical masks to hospitals in several North Carolina cities, including Concord.
Technicon Acoustics (Concord), a maker of acoustic insulation for loud machinery and equipment, has shifted to making surgical masks.
NASCAR R&D Center (Concord) is working with local medical providers to 3D print face shields.
Hope’s Bridal Shop (Kannapolis) is making custom masks for healthcare providers.
If your local company has pivoted to support the demand for medical supplies and would like for us to share your story, send us an email at svarner@cabarrus.biz.
>> Click here to view our COVID-19 resources page for Cabarrus County businesses.