close up hands of male using antiseptic in studio black background.

As schools work hard to reopen and maintain in-class learning, GOJO Industries, makers of PURELL brand hand sanitizer, is working with them to ensure students, teachers, and staff, including bus drivers and cafeteria workers, have access to safe and effective hand and surface disinfecting products. After investing $400 million during the pandemic, GOJO has greatly expanded capacity and is producing and shipping 300% more PURELL hand sanitizer than in 2019.

GOJO, a global provider of skin health and hygiene solutions, responded to immense demand, by activating 2.5 million square feet of manufacturing space and adding facilities in Maple Heights, Navarre, Ashland, and Cleveland, Ohio. The company pulled forward 10 years of capital spending for new lines and equipment and welcomed over 500 new team members. Because of the company’s response, GOJO has the inventory, production capacity, and fulfillment capabilities in place to support K-12 schools nationwide with PURELL products.

“We believe PURELL hand sanitizer can play a critical role in helping schools reopen and stay open with confidence," said Carey Jaros, president and CEO, GOJO. “PURELL is among the most trusted brands in the country when it comes to health and well-being, and PURELL products are unparalleled in both safety and efficacy. There is significant data that shows that PURELL products in any facility helps eliminate germs that can cause illness and increases confidence and peace of mind for students, teachers, and parents.”

On Feb. 12, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidelines for schools, including providing adequate hygiene supplies such as soap and alcohol-based hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol. PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer is 70% alcohol. The CDC also asked schools to adhere to routinely and consistently cleaning high-touch surfaces. This came after the President’s pledge to vaccinate 100 million people in 100 days and his Jan. 21 executive order on Supporting the Reopening and Continuing Operation of Schools and Early Childhood Education Providers, which provided additional federal support to help schools secure personal protective equipment and hygiene products like hand sanitizer.