COVID-19 causing increased demand globally for CAR6 Apr 2020 09:23
Per this American article, COVID-19 has produced huge demand for CAR's products incorporated into virus testing, respirators, breathing treatment devices etc. Demand is up by 40% this year globally:
Https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-company-turns-out-vital-parts-for-coronavirus-test-kits/
"Westmoreland County company turns out vital parts for coronavirus test kits
The front-line fighters against the coronavirus in Westmoreland County most certainly include medical professionals, first responders and other health care workers treating patients.
But workers at Latrobe-based Carclo Technical Plastics are quietly supporting their efforts through the manufacturing of tiny plastic collection tubes used across the globe in coronavirus testing kits.
Carclo operates two plants in the county, one in Latrobe and a small factory in Export. About 250 employees work 12-hour daily shifts to churn out the vital parts needed for the coronavirus testing kits as well as other needed medical supplies.
“For the run-of-the-mill customer, nine out of 10 people don’t see our product in the real world, so this has definitely given us an increased awareness and exposure to what we do,” said Rob Stutzman, the company’s divisional chief operating officer.
Carclo produced about 1.5 billion parts for virus tests last year and orders are up about 40% so far this year at the company plants here as well as at its factories in New Hampshire, Arizona, Great Britain, China, the Czech Republic and India.
The company also manufactures plastic tips for respirators and other breathing treatment devices, he said.
Stutzman said the demand led him to put out a help wanted sign for his local plants in Latrobe and Export, which are seeking about 20 additional workers to operate machines and to package and inspect the products.
Despite ongoing fear over the pandemic, work continues at the local plants.
“I can tell people are anxious and there’s fear there, but people are still coming to work to do their job,” Stutzman said.
County Commissioner Doug Chew praised Carclo’s staff and the company’s efforts to continue making the parts needed to ensure the front-line fighters have the tools needed to help counter the ongoing pandemic.
“I could not be more proud to say I’m from Westmoreland County, where my neighbors are making test kit components in the USA that will help us end this pandemic,” Chew said. “We have a long legacy of stepping up to the plate, and Carclo workers continue that proud tradition in 2020. These folks will be the heroes and patriots we remember for years to come.”
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