Federal government invests in Manikheir Canada Inc.’s mfg. facility
by CM Staff
The manufacturing facility will have an annual production capacity of up to one billion medical-grade nitrile gloves to be used across multiple commercial segments including dental, industrial, medical, lab/research and retail industries.
As businesses reopen across Canada, PPE such as masks and gloves must be provided to workers where appropriate. PHOTO: OHS Canada/Adobe Stock
As businesses reopen across Canada, PPE such as masks and gloves must be provided to workers where appropriate. PHOTO: OHS Canada/Adobe Stock
LONDON — On Dec. 1, Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, announced that the Government of Canada will contribute up to $42 million through the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) to support Manikheir Canada Inc.’s project to build a facility in London, Ontario, to develop and produce medical-grade nitrile gloves. The manufacturing facility will have an annual production capacity of up to one billion medical-grade nitrile gloves to be used across multiple commercial segments including dental, industrial, medical, lab/research and retail, allowing for domestic preparedness for future pandemics.
Manikheir will reportedly be the only medical-grade nitrile glove manufacturer in the country. This project aligns with Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy, and with this contribution, Manikheir will create 135 jobs in London, Ontario.
“Providing personal protective equipment to our front-line workers is a vital component in ensuring effective medical care. The pandemic has shown us how important the acquisition of such equipment is, and not only will this project ensure that Canadian health care providers have the tools they need to get the job done, but it will also support the economy and create well-paying jobs for the people of London,” said Francois-Phillipe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
“Our government stewarded Ontario through the last pandemic, and the lessons we learned will ensure that we will be better prepared to face the next one by building an independent and strong PPE manufacturing supply chain. This investment will help enhance public safety and pandemic preparedness while strengthening our economy and creating new, good-paying jobs for workers in the London area,” said Victor Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
