Local Manufacturers Needed To Retool, Share Products During Covid-19 Pandemic

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) is encouraging local businesses and manufacturers to consider retooling, if possible, during this unprecedented health crisis to help meet the need for urgent medical supplies.

The Government of Canada and Province of Ontario are calling on businesses who can supply products and services in response to COVID-19, through the federal Buy and Sell website and the recently launched Ontario Together website. These sites are meant to remove barriers allowing the manufacturing sector to redeploy capacity towards the production of essential equipment like ventilators, masks, gowns and swabs.

PKED is also encouraging business owners, manufacturers and entrepreneurs in the region to consider donating from their inventory of medical products and supplies to help our local health agencies, front-line and other essential service workers combat the spread of COVID-19. In particular, the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is in need of N95 masks, procedure masks, procedure masks with visor, hand sanitizer and full-face shields with foam. Businesses are asked to reach out to Meghan Darwin via PRHC at mdarwin@prhc.on.ca

“There is a need for the region’s talented and innovative manufacturers and businesses to provide the necessary assistance to curb COVID-19 in this crucial time for our city, province, country and the globe,” said Rhonda Keenan, President & CEO.

Products and Services Needed:

Products

•          Disposable N95 masks
•          Disposable surgical masks
•          Nitrile gloves
•          Vinyl gloves
•          Gowns
•          Bottles of hand sanitizer
•          Other prevention products

Services

•          Guard / security services
•          Nursing services
•          Food services
•          Laundry services
•          Accommodation maintenance services
•          Personal services
•          IT support services
•          Other services

PKED commends local businesses for doing their part to help flatten the curve of COVID-19 by reorganizing their operations, where it has been possible, and allowing their employees to work remotely. “We know that businesses are struggling, and we, alongside our economic development partners, are doing everything in our power to support the business community during these unprecedented times” says Keenan. “It is incredible to see the collaborative and supportive ecosystem at work despite these challenges. Whether it’s local distillers shifting focus to make much needed hand sanitizer and local companies rallying to supply essential ingredients to support production, or manufacturers already exploring production through retooling or using existing expertise to create much needed materials to help frontline workers, the true spirit of our business community is inspiring and very encouraging as we move forward together through this crisis” Keenan adds.

Businesses are encouraged to share more good news stories with PKED’s marketing team via the organization’s social media channels. If you’re a business in Peterborough & the Kawarthas (City and County of Peterborough) and can help in any of these categories, please contact Suzanne McCrimmon, Director of Business Development at PKED, at 705-872-6802 or SMcCrimmon@peterboroughed.ca

For additional information please contact Keaton Robbins, Corporate Communications Officer,
705.743.0777 ext. 2116 or kerobbins@peterboroughed.ca @PtboEcDev