CAMBRIDGE, Canada—PRIMED Medical Products will locate a new medical mask manufacturing facility in Cambridge, Ontario. The factory will have sufficient capacity to produce enough surgical masks to meet the needs of all Canadian acute care facilities. It will also be able to surge production significantly during pandemic or emergency events. PRIMED views this as an important contribution to solidify Canada’s supply chain for medical personal protective equipment (PPE).

“We are thrilled to be bringing mask manufacturing to our home country with this state-of-the-art plant in Cambridge,” says David Welsh, CEO of PRIMED. “After a comprehensive nationwide search, Ontario proved to be the ideal location, providing us with great access to the talent we need to set-up and run this facility.”

PRIMED operations in Cambridge will commence in the fall of 2020 and an additional 40 to 50 jobs will be created during the initial launch phase of this major expansion. This facility will produce both ASTM-rated surgical masks and N95 respirators in a phased scale-up process to support Canada’s healthcare systems.

“We can’t wait to get our new operation started,” states Welsh. “We are continuing to do our part to make sure Canadians have a long term, reliable solution to ensure the security of clinically preferred PPE supply domestically.”

The community of Cambridge and the region of Waterloo have both been strongly supportive of PRIMED’s investment in their area.

“Cambridge is known throughout the province for our advanced manufacturing sector. With our focus on innovation, our strong work force and enviable amenities, we are the ideal location for PRIMED’s newest facility,” says Kathryn McGarry, mayor of Cambridge.

PRIMED is a global leader in the manufacturing and supply of single-use medical PPE, including face masks, gowns and examination gloves. Headquartered in Edmonton, PRIMED currently employs over 1,000 people globally. To date, all PRIMED’s wholly owned manufacturing facilities are outside of Canada.

Through the COVID-19 pandemic, PRIMED has been able to serve its acute care partners at significantly elevated levels and continues to work towards further strengthening its supply chain by investing in Canadian manufacturing.