Video: Derry firm rejigs production to provide elderly with free hand-sanitiser amid COVID-19 induced shortage

Moheet Vij, from Liquid Creations Ltd., started the new line at the weekend and said the plant in Newbuildings had been extremely busy.

He intends distributing 500 of the 'Medi Pura' bottles to old people and charities.

"We tried to get hand sanitisers for the factory and we weren't able to get any so we decided to call on the chemical suppliers we work with to formulate our own.

"Given we have the automated lines this is something we are well able to manage.

"In the first instance, we want to supply over 500 bottles free to the elderly and charities, but we will also be delivering 100,000 units to a UK supermarket chain.

"We are sold out for the next two to three weeks," he said.

Mr. Vij, who runs the Derry company, with his partner Ankush, said he had taken on four new staff to meet the demand.

"This will means it will have no impact on our other lines. We have more staff in and are semi-automated so we can still produce existing orders.

"As of today we will be working 24 hours a day until the foreseeable future. The demand is there and we also have an opportunity to help people," he said.