Unit 2 at the company’s base in Winwick Quay, Warrington, in the UK, was originally set up to produce Phargo’rub Gel and Solution products but closed in September 2019.
“The unit was shut down as we prepared for alternative supply from our sister-production facility in France,” senior chemist, Mike Taylor, said.
“However, with hand disinfection products in such short supply, we wanted to do all we could to get the unit up and running again.”
The Health and Safety Executive and Environment Agency was notified of the re-opening and COMAH documentation was prepared to update relevant risk assessments and emergency procedures. Christeyns Food Hygiene also had its alcohol licences upgraded by HMRC as a priority case.
A full equipment check followed, taking all the essential plant out of mothballs and back into circulation. Electrics, weighing and extraction systems were re-tested, flooring re-sealed and a full clean carried out. New procedures had to be put in place for the production of the 5-liter packs, with capacity for up to 1,200 liters per batch.
“On a normal shift day, we can produce two batches, so up to 2,400 liters of hand gel or solution and we have secured future deliveries of all the key ingredients so as to ensure continued production, and where possible, extend production shifts,” Taylor said.
Christeyns’ Phago’rub brand is a range of highly active products. They contain pure raw materials and contain components such as a blend of skin conditioning agents, have hypoallergenic status and are suitable for medical use.
The finished goods are being distributed using Christeyns’ fleet of vehicles as well as via distribution partners, covering the whole of the UK, including Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, Orkneys and Isle of Man as well as the Republic of Ireland.
The firm continues to produce its water based, non-microbiological Hand Soap and Mousse in the main factory as well as Sanisafe M, which is microbiologically active and dispensed via modern foam units.
Christeyns Food Hygiene provides hygiene solutions, chemicals and monitoring systems, as well as specialized technical support for the dairy, food and beverage industry to ensure compliance with procedures, legislation and industry codes of practice.
