Wilhelmsen Chemicals has rapidly changed their production line in order to accommodate the continuing high global demand for hand sanitizer, following the COVID-19 outbreak.

Thorstein Medhus, Managing Director at Wilhelmsen Chemicals says, “We have the right competence, knowledge, and people to be able to swiftly change our production, while still adhering to strict health and safety regulations. The plan is to launch the product this week and to produce around 100 000 units of 0.5 litre hand sanitiser every week for as long as there is a demand.”

Located on the East Coast of Norway, about two hours outside of Oslo, Wilhelmsen Chemicals develops and produces Wilhelmsen’s market leading range of Unitor and Nalfleet marine chemicals, along with a number of chemical products for the Norwegian consumer market.

“I am proud of our ability to turn this around so quickly to respond to pressing new needs arising as a consequence of the virus outbreak. This is also a very good example of how we take our role as a good corporate citizen seriously,” says Benedicte T. Gude, Senior Vice President HR and Communication.

Adding, “Thousands of Wilhelmsen employees all over the world are currently doing their uttermost to take care of their families and keep business running as smoothly as possible. Without all of them, the impact of the situation would have been much worse for our customers, our group and society. They’ll continue to keep up the good work and we will get through this together.“

Part of the Wilhelmsen group, Wilhelmsen Chemicals was established in 1965. Today the 12.000 m²  facility makes over 350 different products and produces up to 500 tonnes of chemical products daily.