Chatham will soon be home to a new manufacturing plant that will make personal protective equipment (PPE) for the global market.
Harbour Technologies, based in Windsor, has leased a 38,000 square foot building at 830 Richmond Street in Chatham. It wants to hire 80 workers, mostly skilled machine operators, and hopes to be up and running this summer at the latest, according to company spokesperson Scot Magnish.
Magnish said the production lines are currently being shipped and should be installed soon.
"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," said Harbour Technologies Co-owner and Engineering Manager Andrew Glover. "Once the plant is fully operational, we'll need about 80 full-time, skilled employees to help us meet growing demand for our products."
The company said it's hiring for a wide range of positions, from cleaning staff to plant manager.
Magnish claims his company's gowns have welded seams instead of the traditional hand-stitched seams and offer clients superior clinical value, comfort, and durability. He also said the expansion into Chatham will make Harbour Technologies one of the largest PPE producers in Canada, adding the new plant is a "long term endeavour."
"Harbour has been in business since 1972 and this plant helps the company solidify its position as a global supplier of high-quality PPE products," said Magnish.
Harbour Technologies pivoted its nuclear and aerospace capabilities at the height of the pandemic to make automated equipment to manufacture personal protective equipment and continues selling that assembly line equipment. They also manufacture surgical masks, face shields' and N-95 masks.
"Chatham-Kent has a proud tradition of quality manufacturing," said Mayor Darrin Canniff. "As a community we welcome Harbour Technologies. It is gratifying that we have been chosen for this investment and we’re excited to be home to a firm producing such a vital product."
Chatham-Kent Director of Economic Development Stuart McFadden said landing this facility was a complete team effort.
"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. This teamwork approach makes our community special."Click here to apply for a job at Harbour Technologies.