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Wigan key workers praised by antibacterial wipe manufacturer

Key workers making hygiene wipes at a Wigan-based factory have been praised for their adaptability during the coronavirus pandemic.

Employees at Nice-Pak International, which manufactures products including antibacterial, hand sanitising and disinfecting wipes, are dealing with increased demand for such products as well as new ways of working.

The company’s products are used in homes and hospitals all around the country whilst those produced by its sister company, PDI, are a valued part of the infection-fighting defences being deployed by NHS staff.

New working measures introduced in Nice-Pak’s factories include staggered start times and physical distancing. In addition, the manufacturer has built booths for colleagues to pack unprecedented volumes of products while adhering to social distancing.

Nice-Pak employs 900 people across three factories in Flint, Wigan and Germany.

Operations director, David Light said: “Our team members are providing critical roles to improve health and hygiene across the UK during the spread of the virus.

“Our priority is to protect their health and wellbeing and our new working practices help achieve this. We have also provided them and their families with access to antibacterial products.

“We understand that it is a worrying time and want to do everything possible to support our employees, including providing full pay for those who are required to self-isolate for 7 or 14 days as per government guidance.

“There is genuine two-way communication and the way our colleagues have handled this transition period has been remarkable.

“We are constantly reviewing ways to further improve safety and will make extra changes if necessary.”

Just before the coronavirus outbreak, Nice-Pak commissioned research which found that 80 per cent of people viewed wet wipes as very important or important to their household hygiene.

David added: “Public concern about the spread of coronavirus has led to strengthened demand for antibacterial wipes. Some supermarkets are limiting how many packs shoppers can purchase. To help meet demand for these products we have modified cosmetic production lines to focus on antibacterial products.

“Our employees have been fantastic in handling the increased demand for health products alongside the new measures linked to government advice.

“They have also helped the company with its support of charities during this difficult time, with a donation of wipes to NSPCC Childline.

“I can’t speak highly enough of our colleagues.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .