HOWELL, MI – The coronavirus outbreak has prompted many companies to innovate or reorganize with new areas of focus, and Howell’s Nyatex Adhesive and Chemical Co. is one of them.

The chemical company focuses primarily on plastics and automotive adhesives, but began producing hand and surface sanitizers once company president Jason Hulbert realized he could afford it. to do.

Hulbert said the company always adjusts what it produces based on industry demands and the built-in access to suppliers and chemicals needed to make disinfectants for a smooth fit. Hulbert said even with a shortage he can bypass supply barriers with his list of suppliers.

“Because we deal with so many (vendors), I have 10 to choose from,” Hulbert said. “If the top five are eliminated, I have five more than I can try. Few companies have so many commodity suppliers in the rolodex. “

Nyatex never made a disinfectant before the pandemic, but Hulbert said the company was aware of the alcohols and glycerin used in disinfectants, and chemical engineers on staff said it could be done. The company uses a World Health Organization formula to make the disinfectant.

It sells 5-gallon plastic sanitizers for $ 150 each, with discounted rates for first responders, hospitals, and essential businesses. While sales were mostly in Livingston County, the disinfectant was also sold in Midland, Saginaw, Flint and Metro Detroit. Dental offices, landscapers and gymnasiums have also purchased pale disinfectants from Nyatex.

Mindy Bianchini, owner of TRVfit gym in Howell, said she bought the disinfectant to clean rooms and equipment between classes once it reopened.

“It looks like this will look great for what I have conceptualized in regards to opening up and implementing new sanitary regulations for my gym,” Bianchini said.

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Nyatex is unlikely to continue producing disinfectant after the demand generated by the pandemic subsides.

“We’re in a position (where) we could produce it indefinitely and it’s something that we could fit into what we’re doing quite easily,” Hulbert said. “But I think that’s something we’re going to go away with, mostly because of the size we’re doing.”