New manufacturing jobs are coming to Chatham-Kent to help with the fight against COVID-19.
Windsor-based Harbour Technologies retooled its clear and aerospace capabilities to make automated equipment for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) manufacturing at the height of the pandemic, and is now moving some of its operations to Chatham-Kent.
“The plan is to add production capacity with 11 robotic lines for isolation gown manufacturing in a 38,000 square foot facility we’ve leased on Richmond Street in Chatham,” says Andrew Glover, Harbour’s co-owner and Engineering Manager in a news release. “Once the plant is fully operational, we’ll need about 80 full-time, skilled employees to help us meet growing demand for our products.”
While traditional gowns feature hand-stitched seams, Harbour’s are welded during automated assembly, offering end users superior clinical value, comfort and durability. Officials say the move puts Chatham-Kent on the front lines of domestic PPE manufacturing, critical to rebuilding Canada’s pandemic response capabilities.
Economic Development Director Stuart McFadden says it’s great news for the municipality.
“I would like to welcome Harbour Technologies to Chatham-Kent and take the opportunity to thank Fred Naclerio and his team at Apollo Property Management and Developments for their role in securing this investment in our community,” McFadden says. “This teamwork approach makes our community special.”
Harbour Technologies is expected to begin hiring immediately with hopes of being up and running by June with three shifts per day.
