Welspun to start making disinfectant wipes, masks

MUMBAI: Textile manufacturer Welspun has switched capacities to produce disinfectant wipes and surgical masks in order to meet increased demand for personal protection items in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak.
“From the business point of view, we have been making smart non-woven products and medium for diverse applications around safety clothing … hence, manufacturing face masks and disinfectant wipes for combating the crisis is a natural extension for us,” chairman BK Goenka to ET.

On march 23, the textiles ministry, along with the health ministry, had issued a statement that they were working with industry bodies, stakeholders and manufacturers to streamline the supply chain, remove bottlenecks and maintain a steady supply of all materials required for healthcare professionals.

Welspun is working with government and local authorities to seek support in manufacturing a few lakh disinfectant hand-wipe packs per week.

“However, the current lockdown poses its own challenges for sourcing ingredients and managing workforce,” said Goenka.

The company may take a few weeks to decide on fullscale production of masks and disinfectant wipes, and consider possible exports.