This Metro Vancouver hair product factory is now making hand sanitizer

AG Hair’s manufacturing facility in Coquitlam is keeping its staff busy during the COVID-19 pandemic, because it’s churning out a new product in mass quantities: hand sanitizer.

The locally-based company announced Friday it will be shifting its complete focus towards hand sanitizer production to support public health organizations such as Vancouver Coastal Health and the broader efforts of the federal government.

• See also:
  • BC government providing all distilleries with permission to produce hand sanitizer
  • Labatt Breweries to produce and distribute 50,000 bottles of hand sanitizer
  • Here’s how you can use your 3D printer to make face shields for hospital workers

In a news release, AG Hair states its hand sanitizer will be manufactured in its 70,000-square foot factory, which normally produces haircare products.

The Health Canada and FDA over-the-counter certified drug production facility will create hand sanitizer with 73% corn-derived alcohol, which exceeds World Health Organization guidelines. It will also contain Vitamin E, glycerin, and aloe vera to help people’s hands stay smooth and hydrated.

Both sanitizer gel and hands-free spray products will be manufactured, with the first batch scheduled for delivery in mid-April.

In addition to providing a supply to local health authorities, 10% of the hand sanitizer products will be allocated towards frontline hospital personnel and those most vulnerable to the coronavirus.

These products are licensed for sale in both Canada and the United States, and will also be available for the public to purchase online on the company’s website and on Amazon.

“Our current social and economic climate calls for ingenuity, adaptability and a willingness to support our community and country – all attributes our team lives and breathes each and every day,” said Graham Fraser, CEO of AG Hair, in a statement.

“We are committed to doing our part to help flatten the curve by sourcing medical supplies that are in scarcity and supporting ongoing needs for hygiene and disinfectants.”

The company also plans to assist local health authorities by leveraging its global manufacturing contacts to source medical supplies such as N95 surgical masks, disposable gloves, and other personal protective equipment that meet standards.