TRUE VALUE COMPANY TO MANUFACTURE HAND SANITIZER AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC

March 31, 2020

CHICAGO, MARCH 31, 2020 – True Value Company, one of the world’s leading hardlines wholesalers with more than 4,500 independent hardware retail stores in the U.S. and internationally, announced today that it is registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an over-the-counter drug manufacturer to produce hand sanitizer in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The wholesaler, which has one of the largest paint manufacturing facilities in the country and produces several millions of gallons of True Value Easy Care® paint annually, is converting part of its space to begin the production of hand sanitizer and cleaning products to help aid in the nationwide shortage.

The plant, located in Cary, Illinois, will ramp up production of tens of thousands of gallons of hand sanitizer however, the first several thousand gallons will be donated to True Value hardware stores across the country to arm its employees against contracting COVID-19 while they serve customers. The product is scheduled to be shipped to stores in early to mid-April.

As the company sources more raw materials, it plans to quickly increase production to help ease the public’s need.

In addition to hand sanitizer, the company is also manufacturing essential cleaning and sanitizing products such as hand soap, all-purpose cleansers with and without bleach, and degreasing cleanser. These products are quickly being produced to meet retailers’ demand to help keep their stores a safe shopping environment for customers. 

“In state after state, hardware stores have been declared ‘essential’ and permitted to stay open,” said John Hartmann, president and CEO of True Value Company. “From hand sanitizer to tools and home maintenance products to farm and ranch items, local hardware stores play a critical role in keeping homes and communities up and running. During these unprecedented times, we’re proud to do our part to help make a difference and get the much-coveted hand sanitizer onto True Value store shelves as quickly as we can.”

About True Value Company
True Value Company, headquartered in Chicago, is one of the world’s leading hardlines wholesalers with a globally recognized brand and over 70 years of experience serving independent hardware retailers. True Value Company provides its customers in over 60 countries an expansive product set with market-customized assortments at highly competitive prices, superior product availability, innovative marketing programs and a la carte value-added services like eCommerce ship-to-store, store remodel support and True Value University, all within a flexible model that requires no membership. With 13 regional distribution centers, and approximately 2,500 associates serving over 4,500 stores, True Value Company celebrates independence and drives retail excellence across the U.S. and internationally. Learn more at www.TrueValueCompany.com.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Born, Manager, Media Relations
Jennifer.Born@TrueValue.com