Held up as an example of a plant that should remain operational during the coronavirus pandemic, PFNonwovens in the Humboldt Industrial Park manufactures materials that are used for protective medical apparel worn by doctors and nurses across the country.
                                 Submitted photo

Held up as an example of a plant that should remain operational during the coronavirus pandemic, PFNonwovens in the Humboldt Industrial Park manufactures materials that are used for protective medical apparel worn by doctors and nurses across the country.

Submitted photo

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While state Rep. Tarah Toohil has been questioning safety protocols in some large Hazleton area commercial operations during the coronavirus pandemic, PFNonwovens is not among her concerns.

“This company is an excellent example of exactly the type of life-sustaining business that needs to be kept operating during this crisis,” Toohil, R-Butler Township, said in a written statement. “In fact, demands on their products are rising as the crisis continues.”

Located in the Humboldt Industrial Park, the company manufactures highly-protective, nonwoven materials that are used for fabrics protecting patients and medical apparel worn by doctors and nurses in hospitals, clinics and other health care facilities across the country, Hazleton plant manager Chris Scuron said in a release.

The plant can manufacture material to make up to five million medical products each month, he said.

In addition, PFN makes materials that are used in disinfecting wipes, adult and baby diapers and feminine care products, he said.

These hygiene products are in high demand across the country during the pandemic, Scuron said, noting assisted living facilities also depend on the products to keep the elderly comfortable and sanitary.

PFN also is developing a new material for protective face masks and plans to have this ready soon ”to offer even more options to contribute in the fight against COVID-19,” the release said.

Toohil said the company has reached out to the Greater Hazleton COVID-19 Task Force to ensure it is “taking every possible precaution” in the pandemic.

Scuron said his workers are “directly helping the medical professionals and caregivers be better protected at the front lines.”

The company quickly implemented best known practices for protecting its workers, including social distancing, significantly increasing plant disinfecting, monitoring temperatures and providing face masks, he said. PFN also will continue to track and implement any new government and Centers for Disease Control guidelines.

PFN’s highly automated manufacturing process also allows for “plenty of space between team members,” the release said.

Toohil had recently joined state Rep. Gerald Mullery in writing a letter to Gov. Tom Wolf urging his administration to enforce state coronavirus prevention directives in commercial buildings that are at least 50,000 square feet. Mullery, D-Newport Township, and Toohil said their offices have received multiple first-hand complaints from employees indicating their employers are “blatantly” ignoring state Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine’s directive on increased sanitation measures and social distancing.

Hazleton has been deemed a coronavirus hotspot by area officials, with positive coronavirus cases at city testing sites now exceeding 1,000.

Reach Jennifer Learn-Andes at 570-991-6388 or on Twitter @TLJenLearnAndes.