Whirley-Drinkworks! has been recognized by Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration for personal protective equipment development.

A Warren County business has been recognized by the Wolf Administration for personal protective equipment development.

A statement from the Department of Community and Economic Development credits Whirley-Drinkworks! for “specializing in design and manufacturing of plastic products that pivoted its production to make face masks in response to the state’s critical need for personal protective equipment….”

The effort was part of the state’s Manufacturing Call to Action Portal which “mobilized manufacturers producing COVID-19-related products and supplies or could pivot to producing COVID-19 related supplies.”

DCED Secretary Dennis Davin said it’s “no surprise” that the firm stepped up during the pandemic as it “has been invested in the wellbeing of its community for decades.”

“Not only have they developed masks, but they continue to create innovative technologies that will protect their consumers throughout the country as we might continue to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus.”

DCED’s statement indicates that in addition to mask production, the Whirley-Drinkworks! “technology team also developed a concept for touchless fountain valves.”

Shipment of those valves to colleges, universities and schools is expected within the month.

That’s in addition to a UV sanitization device that is in development “that will sanitize drinkware and destroy all harmful pathogens in less than 20 seconds.

“This concept planning began at the end of March when Whirley-DrinkWorks! learned that people were feeling unsafe refilling cups or using refill stations and is currently in its testing phase for estimated shipping to begin in October.”

“From the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, Whirley-DrinkWorks! recognized the need for properly sourced and manufactured PPE products,” Mark Charbonneau, Whirley-Drinkworks! president, explained. “As we implemented our COVID-19 practices and procedures, it was apparent that PPE would be an integral part of creating a safe work environment. After selecting our manufacturing partners, we were able to successfully supply high quality PPE to other Western Pennsylvania businesses, in addition to customers outside of the region looking to reopen their operations.”

“Like so many businesses, we have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but we continue to develop innovative, new products and equipment. We truly appreciate the support received on this endeavor….”