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CASSOPOLIS — Essential workers in Cass County are keeping a little safer thanks to a donation from a local manufacturing company.

CHT USA, a medium-sized global player for specialty chemistry, is producing and manufacturing hand sanitizer at its Cassopolis site to donate to local organizations in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

The first batch of hand sanitizer, about 200 gallons, was produced after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a temporary policy for the production of hand sanitizers/disinfectant in mid-March. The CHT USA disinfectant is created based on a publicly accessible standard formulation of the World Health Organization.

CEO Levi James Cottington said the move to make hand sanitizer was natural, as the company already produces similar items. He added that he hopes the hand sanitizer donations can help keep essential workers safe and alleviate worry.

“This was right in our wheelhouse,” Cottington said. “For us, this is two-fold: we are doing something for the community, and we are allowing these folks to do what they do. … We want to help take away some fear, so that they can focus on what they need to do, which is care for the community.”

So far, CHT has donated hand sanitizer to several Cass County entities, organizations and departments, including the Cass County Road Commission, The Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Cassopolis Public Schools, the Dowagiac Police Department, Dowagiac Fire Department, Central Cass Fire Department, Midwest Energy and Communications, and more. Several of those who received donations posted online or reached out to thank CHT for the hand sanitizer.

At the Dowagiac Fire Department, Deputy Chief Robert Smith said the hand sanitizer was especially useful as it could be used to disinfect surfaces, such as door handles and other equipment. Calling the sanitizer a “dual-role” product, Smith said it added an extra layer of protection for his firefighters.

“We are very happy with the donation the company made to us because it helps keep our people safer,” Smith said. “They are a good community partner during this crisis. We appreciate their help, and hopefully, everyone stays safe.”

Dowagiac Director of Public Safety Steve Grinnewald said the donation at the Dowagiac Police Department has also been appreciated as hand sanitizer has been in high demand, but short supply in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grinnewald said he believes the donation from CHT will last the department a reasonable period.

“This is huge because we aren’t able to get [hand sanitizer] in many places,” Grinnewald said. “Unfortunately, our people are out there making contact with people, and you don’t know who has [the COVID-19 virus], so it’s good to have something to sanitize with. That really helps.”

Now, Cottington said he is hoping CHT will be able to reach even more organizations. Already, CHT is working on preparing more batches of hand sanitizer, and teams at the company are working on getting the word out to people who need it. He said CHT would continue to produce hand sanitizer throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as the availability of raw materials allow.

Any organization that needs hand sanitizer can contact CHT at (269) 445-0847, with requests from regional organizations such as emergency services, clinics and senior care facilities given priority.