Transport for Wales has confirmed it has purchased thousands of litres of hand sanitiser from a Welsh gin distillery that will help support frontline staff across the Wales and Borders route.

At the start of the year, Hensol Castle, in the Vale of Glamorgan, originally had plans to open a gin school in the cellar of a 17th-century castle. However, as the coronavirus crisis grew, it was re-purposed into a hand sanitiser production line to meet key worker demands.

Since the outbreak, Transport for Wales has put the safety of its staff and passengers as its number one priority.

The new partnership will allow TfW to boost their Alcohol Gel Sanitiser supply and help in the fight against coronavirus.

Transport for Wales has already placed a large order of both 100ml bottles and 2.5 litre cans.

Ken Skates, Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales said: “Hensol Castle have joined the fantastic effort of businesses across Wales who have adapted the way they work to help us in a time of crisis and I’d like to thank them for everything they’re doing. Transport for Wales continue to work hard to keep rail passengers safe and this order will help them to look after the welfare of both staff and passengers.”

James Price, Transport for Wales CEO said: “Transport for Wales is committed to supporting the Welsh economy and as we continue to transform transport across the Wales and Borders network we want SMEs to benefit from our investment, this is a key component of our Sustainable Development Plan. I’d like to thank Hensol Castle Distillery for firstly, being proactive and being able to diversify their business to help in the fight against COVID-19 and secondly, for supplying us with Alcohol Gel Sanitiser that will be used to further improve safety across our network. Throughout this whole pandemic and as we continue to move forward, collaboration and partnership working across all sectors is essential and beneficial.”

Simon Davies from Hensol Castle Distillery said: “Once we saw the critical need in the NHS and elsewhere we re-purposed our distillery to produce hand sanitiser & set out establishing a supply chain that could meet the urgent demand. Whilst the transition was a swift one, it wasn’t always easy to overcome many obstacles, particularly with the supply chain, with some suppliers looking to profiteer from an in-demand product. With the help of Transport for Wales and the support of the Welsh Government, however, we have now established a robust supply chain and are delighted to help meet the demand for key services at such a difficult time. Supply will continue for as long as we are needed to help support our frontline services.”

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