Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Queues build at factory as bosses throw open doors
Sprays, hand gels and washes up for grabs
People have been queuing outside a factory to get their hands on anti-bacterial products during the coronavirus crisis. Medichem in Rushenden, on Sheppey, announced last week it would sell anti-bacterial sprays, hand gels and washes direct from its factory.
The well-known manufacturer of hair and beauty products, which is based on the Stalham Business Park in Rushenden Road, also makes items such as hand gel.
It has been selling 150ml bottles of anti-bacterial spray for £3, 50ml bottles of anti-bacterial hand gel for £1.50 and 250ml anti-bacterial hand washes for £3.
A company spokesman said: “We have had people come in from all over Kent, a lot of which are frontline and key workers who are struggling to obtain these products. “Everyone has expressed a great deal of gratitude to the company for going into production to meet their needs. “We are inundated with inquiries from members of the public and companies, both locally and nationwide, Ireland and even as far as the Middle East.” Medichem said it wanted to help the community by manufacturing anti-bacterial products direct from its factory. The shop will be open weekdays from 9.30am-12.30pm and 2.30pm-4.30pm.
It will only be able to accept cash.
The company added: “Our alcohol gels and sprays contain 70% alcohol. Our anti-bacterial hand wash contains industry-recognised biocides. “There is currently no testing to prove any product kills coronavirus.
“However these formulations are what the government recommends the public use.” People heading to the factory are advised to go around the back of the building. Medichem was established in 1992 by born and bred Islander Tom Allsworth.
Mr Allsworth said: “We are ring-fencing any profits to ensure we can support our workforce through the next few months - we need to provide financial assistance through that period.
“We will be manufacturing hand sanitiser for the foreseeable future, so no need for anyone to worry.
“We are asking people to be sensible about how much they buy on any one day.”