GC firms in high demand

‘When the hospital rings us, they need it now’

THEY are the Gold Coast companies coming to the fore as the coronavirus pandemic crisis bites.

Demand for their products has suddenly ramped up – a hospital implements producer, a non-perishables health food company and a cosmetics manufacturer whose products have antibacterial products.

Arundel-based stainlesssteel hospital product producer Emery Industries has seen orders soar by 20 per cent in the past few weeks as clinics rush to obtain the equipment they need to fight the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

Owner James Emery set up the firm in 2007 and produces IV poles, height-adjustable tables and other equipment for the medical industry.

Mr Emery said the Australian manufacturing industry was coming into its own as people discovered companies that make vital equipment right here.

“We were already quite busy and then we got a big lot of orders coming in from places such as the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

“Around the country people are calling in because they’re only starting to realise we can make it for them.

“We are prioritising all the COVID-19 activities because when they ring, they need it now. We’ve had to employ extra staff.”

Mr Emery said orders had soared by 20 per cent and he needs to employ up to six more staff to cope, a 50 per cent increase in his workforce.

“We are one of the few Australian manufacturers for these products and people are starting to realise maybe ‘I should be dealing with Australians’.”

Surfers Paradise’s Macro Mike, a healthy, home-delivered goods provider is proving a lifeline for those missing out at supermarkets.

Macro owner Mike Kellett said he was experiencing huge demand. “We sell health food, non-perishable items, primarily protein powder and we do a healthy snack range,” he said.

“People are stuck at home in quarantine, they think ‘I can’t go to the gym, I need to be more mindful of what I’m eating’.

“Or it’s boredom – people want to get their bake on.”

Molendinar cosmetic maker TMF Cosmetics has marketed new products such as Ionic Silver Mist which has shifted 10,000 units in the past two weeks. It is said to have antibacterial properties.

TMF founder Rose Beesey had been making products for staff using ionic silver for decades but it was only recently that she decided to do it on a commercial scale.

“It has been so well received,” her daughter, and Zuii sales manager, Abbi Kerr said.