Blumenthal Lauds CT Manufacturers During Senate Hearing on Response to Covid-19
Hearing featured CT-based-Gilman Gear to highlight their role & other CT manufacturers in stepping up to meet Connecticut’s public health needs
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – In case you missed it, during yesterday’s Commerce Consumer Protection Subcommittee Hearing, “Examining the American Manufacturing Industry’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic,” U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) highlighted Connecticut’s role in supporting the nation’s increased need for personal protective equipment (PPE) and urged utilization of the Defense Production Act to support American manufacturers aiding in the production of PPE.
The hearing featured Neil Gilman, President of Bozrah, Connecticut-based, Gilman Gear. Known for manufacturing sporting equipment, Gilman Gear has created a new division, Gilman Gear Medical Products to aid Connecticut hospitals’ critical need for PPE.
“Gilman Gear is a model success story. It’s a Connecticut story, but it’s also a model for America. I’m very proud of Neil Gilman’s family and all of the companies in Connecticut that stepped up, stood out, and spoke up to help address this crisis and they helped really address this public health crisis,” Blumenthal said during his opening statement.
Blumenthal also highlighted the work of Shelton-based Modern Plastics, which is opening a new facility in Derby and hiring to expand its face shield production to a million per day, and South Windsor-based Preferred Protective Equipment, which produces reusable and comfortable face shields in response to first responders’ complaints. Blumenthal lauded the public service efforts and “the smart business sense of Gilman Gear, Modern Plastics, Preferred Protective Equipment, and countless others that our first responders and essential workers have been served by.”
Gilman Gear Medical Products now produces an estimated 10,000 isolation and surgical gowns per week to be supplied to Connecticut healthcare workers. However, Gilman’s and other Connecticut businesses have faced challenges as a result of “unfair competition from China” that allows hospitals to obtain imported products for a lesser cost.
“The Defense Production Act (DPA) provides powerful tools to the President to incentivize and require the production of key medical supplies. Regrettably, and really very unfortunately for all Americans, the President has failed to fully utilize the DPA to support American manufacturers. They deserve it and so do the American people,” said Blumenthal.
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