A THIRSK firm that began producing hand sanitiser in mid-March in response to the coronavirus outbreak, has now manufactured over 100,000 litres for customers.

Cod Beck Blenders employs 100 staff and had not previously manufactured hand sanitiser.

As coronavirus took hold, it received derogation from the HSE to produce it during the current pandemic.

The firm used the World Health Organization formulation for the 70 per cent alcohol-based hand rub.

Robust regulation around production required Cod Beck Blenders to create the correct safety data sheets and also to ensure compliant labelling was used which had to be reviewed by an external regulatory expert.

The company, along with many others, also faced the challenge of managing the very tight supply chain to source all of the relevant materials and packaging.

Steven Meyer, managing director, said: “The opportunity to produce the hand sanitiser came about via a connection of one of our existing customers who recommended us.

“The business, like many others, had a massive supply problem as its usual routes had stopped.

"Fortunately, as a third party processor, working with some of the leading names across a wide range of sectors, we had the expertise and technology to help out very quickly."