Ames Goldsmith Corp., a South Glens Falls-based manufacturer, has begun producing hand sanitizer for complimentary distribution to area nonprofits during the COVID-19 crisis.
The company makes silver salts and advanced silver and copper powders and flakes for electronics, healthcare technology and other uses. It has temporarily converted a portion of the manufacturing capacity at its Harrison Avenue, plant to the production of the alcohol-based sanitizer.
It began distributing the sanitizer to Glens Falls Hospital and the Open Door Mission in Glens Falls. Other area nonprofits may be added to the distribution list in the future depending on production capacity, company officials said.
“Our community has a need. We have the capacity and capability. It was a pretty easy decision to make for a company that’s been part of this regional community since 1860,” said Ames Goldsmith President and CEO Frank Barber.
Between its South Glens Falls headquarters and manufacturing plant, and its manufacturing plant in Glens Falls, Ames Goldsmith employs approximately 90 people. The company also has plants in New Jersey, Maryland, and West Virginia, along with international facilities in England, Scotland, Taiwan and Japan, bringing its total employment to more than 350.
“Ames Goldsmith has extensive experience working with alcohol products in our manufacturing processes, as well as manufacturing products to FDA guidelines for the healthcare industry. We have the scale to produce meaningful amounts of sanitizer quickly and safely,” Barber said. “We discussed the need with the hospital and Open Door and when they responded so enthusiastically, it was full speed ahead.”
Barber credited New York plant manager Mike Forcier for the idea, and said he and Mike Herman, vice president of global quality systems, have led the production effort.
“I could not be happier with how these two individuals have stepped up to meet the needs of our communities,” Barber said.
Forcier is a co-owner of Springbook Hollow Farm Distillery in Queensbury, which has also been producing its own line of sanitizer.
Ames Goldsmith is purchasing all of the raw materials needed for the sanitizer specifically for this purpose and mixing them utilizing spare process tanks and mixing technology present at the Harrison Avenue plant. The company’s normal product manufacturing is continuing uninterrupted during this time. The company has begun producing the sanitizer in 200-gallon batches and will distribute it in one-gallon bottles.
“Ames Goldsmith has been a good friend to Glens Falls Hospital for many years, but this act of generosity goes above and beyond,” said Cindy Sherwood, vice president of development for Glens Falls Hospital. “They are truly going out of their way to make this sanitizer for no reason other than it’s good for our community.”
“It’s so incredibly thoughtful of Ames Goldsmith, our neighbor here in the First Ward, to step up and help the not-for-profits who are on the front lines of this battle to protect our community,” said Kim Cook, president and CEO of the Open Door Mission, which operates a homeless shelter at its Warren Street, Glens Falls, location. “We are doing everything we can to keep our shelter residents and our staff safe, and this sanitizer is a very welcome help. We can’t let the virus in the door.”