Combe ramps up hand sanitizer production

Personal care company Combe is looking to fill the supply gap when it comes to hand sanitizers. The New York-based company has ramped up production of hand sanitizers under its Williams brand to meet demand, and it plans to donate a significant supply to the families of employees, as well as healthcare workers and first responders. 

The effort, dubbed "Project Community," was spurred the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the New York area and Westchester in particular, as well as the demand for hygiene products. 

“Combe is fortunate to have a solid core business and a track record in manufacturing cosmetics, over-the-counter drugs and medical devices, and we felt that we needed to put this know-how to work for the greater good," said Keech Combe Shetty, the company's executive chairwoman. "So, we have been busy adding new manufacturing lines, procuring ingredients and components to produce highly needed hand sanitizer gel and wipes. From idea to production, it’s taken just three weeks — record time for Combe. Williams is America’s original soap brand, established in 1840. It’s the perfect brand to help America maintain clean, safe hygiene at this time."

Williams hand sanitizer, available in gel and wipes, are being made in the company's OTC drug manufacturing facility in compliance with Food and Drug Administration guidance and standards. The products are formulated to kill 99.9% of many common bacteria and use alcohol as the active antibacterial ingredient. They also contain glycerin and aloe to prevent dry skin. 

Combe said Williams sanitizer products are available or shipping to such retailers as Amazon, CVS Pharmacy, Food Lion, Publix, Shopper's Drug Mart Stop and Shop, Wakefern, Walgreens and Walmart.