The NSW government has launched a registry portal for manufacturers who can help fill gaps in the supply of medical equipment and hygiene products.
The government would like to hear from suppliers that have the capacity to provide critical supplies, raw materials or manufacturing capability to produce critical supplies during the COVID-19 crisis.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres launched the portal for companies to offer to build parts or supply eight urgently needed items during the COVID-19 crisis.
The portal will be used to establish a supplier list to connect NSW government agencies and eligible buyers with suppliers capable of providing critical supplies within a range of categories.
Berejiklian said the world was running short on hand sanitiser, handwash soap, gloves, cleaning products, protective clothing, masks, eyewear and paper products.
“This is a call to arms for NSW manufacturers to look at ways to convert production lines into making the items we so desperately need,” she said.
Berejiklian said the government was moving to help manufacturers re-tool quickly. “Providing this opportunity to manufacturers will also allow some businesses to keep people in jobs when they may not have been able to do so.”
It is expected the supply of personal protective equipment and disinfectant will be constrained for at least 12 months.
Ayres said the government would use information provided through the portal to connect the supply chain so more finished products could be provided where needed.
“This is an opportunity for businesses to not only diversify their supply but produce incredibly important products for our state in a time of need. We will work to find solutions to provide our hospitals and our people with the protection they need, while keeping as many workers as possible in a job,” Ayres said.
Businesses can register their interest through the portal here.
