dOntario Construction News staff writer
An Edmonton-based personal protective equipment manufacturer has announced plans to open a face mask-making facility in Cambridge this fall.
PRIMED Medical Products announced recently that a nationwide search for a location for a new manufacturing facility led the company to Boxwood Drive in the southern-Ontario city.
The company manufactures single-use medical PPE, including face masks, gowns and examination gloves. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic all manufacturing was done outside Canada, due to economics.
The new domestic production facility will have sufficient capacity to produce all Canadian acute care’s normal surgical mask requirements with the ability to surge production significantly during pandemic or emergency events. PRIMED views this as an important contribution to solidify Canada’s medical personal protective equipment (PPE) supply chain.
“We are thrilled to be bringing mask manufacturing to our home country with this state-of-the-art plant in Cambridge,” said David Welsh, Chief Executive Officer of PRIMED. “After a comprehensive nation-wide search Ontario proved to be the ideal location, providing us with great access to the talent we need to set-up and run this facility.”
PRIMED operations in Cambridge will begin in Fall 2020 and an additional 40-50 jobs will be created during the initial launch phase of this major expansion. This facility will produce both ASTM-rated surgical masks and N95 respirators in a phased scale-up process to support Canada’s healthcare systems.
“We can’t wait to get our new operation started,” stated Welsh. “We are continuing to do our part to make sure Canadians have a long term, reliable solution to ensure the security of clinically preferred PPE supply domestically.”
The community of Cambridge and the region of Waterloo have both been strongly supportive of PRIMED’s investment in their area.
“Cambridge is known throughout the province for our advanced manufacturing sector. With our focus on innovation, our strong work force and enviable amenities, we are the ideal location for PRIMED’s newest facility,” said Mayor Kathryn McGarry.
Founded in 1995, PRIMED has established itself as the leading supplier of personal protective equipment (PPE) in Canada. The company’s products are found in nearly every hospital in Canada as well as hundreds throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
In 2018, 2019 and 2020, PRIMED was recognized by professional services network Deloitte as one of “Canada’s Best Managed Companies.” It was also selected in 2018 and 2019 as one of “Alberta’s Top 75 Employers” by Mediacorp Canada.