The single-use protection manufacturer Medicom has opened a new nitrile glove factory in France.
The ManiKHeir is based in Bessé-sur-Braye, Sarthe.
ManiKHeir, located on the site of the former Arjowiggins factory, is France's first single-use nitrile glove factory.
"The creation of ManiKHeir marks the return of an industry that has been absent from France for 30 years," the company stated.
In response to Europe's dependence on nitrile glove imports, as revealed by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Medicom decided to produce locally in order to safeguard the country's healthcare system and vital industries.
The project, entrusted to Global Solutions & Engineering (GSE), required an investment of over €88m to renovate and develop this brownfield site.
ManiKHeir takes an environmentally responsible approach, producing nitrile gloves without chlorine or accelerating agents
Today, the 17,521 sqm site boasts 4 state-of-the-art production lines, with the potential to produce 900 million gloves a year. Since June 2022, more than 150 employees have been recruited to contribute to the success of this new plant.
Gerald Heuliez, Managing Director of ManiKHeir and VP of Global Strategic Relations & Business Development, stresses the importance of innovation in this project, particularly in terms of sustainable development. With an integrated R&D laboratory, the company is focusing on the quality of its products, the performance of its teams and its commitment to its customers and partners.
The inauguration took place on 18 April, in the presence of France's Minister for Industry, Roland Lescure, the President of the Regional Council, Christelle Morançais, Medicon's Chairman and CEO, Guillaume Laverdure, and Medicom's customers and partners.
A strong environmental commitment
In line with the principles of ISO 26000, ManiKHeir takes an environmentally responsible approach, producing nitrile gloves without chlorine or accelerating agents, which are harmful to the environment and health.
In addition, an integrated water treatment centre reduces water consumption and limits the risk of pollution. Industrial waste is recycled and Medicom is currently working on a process for recovering used finished products from users.
"Our nitrile gloves are made from recyclable nitrile rubber (NBR), a less allergenic and more environmentally friendly alternative to latex," Medicom stated.