The Impact of Local Production on Supply Chain Reliability

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada had next to no domestic production of personal protective equipment (PPE). As borders closed, the underlying fragility of the global medical supply chain became starkly evident.  

Since supply chain security is one of our top priorities, PRIMED immediately made plans to build a manufacturing facility in Ontario. Since its opening in October 2020, the facility has created  the capacity to produce 1.2 billion masks annually.  

Here’s what you should know about the facility itself, how it affects the PPE supply chain in Canada, and its benefits in today’s political landscape. 

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Our Support for the Canadian Economy 

When a global pandemic caused a critical shortage of PPE, PRIMED met the challenge head-on and prioritized a Canada-first approach, delivering a made-in-Canada solution: a manufacturing facility in Cambridge, Ontario.  

Founded in 1995, PRIMED brings more than 30 years of manufacturing experience to our Cambridge manufacturing facility. PRIMED continues to be one of the fastest-growing  manufacturers of high quality medical PPE.  

When operating at maximum capacity, PRIMED Cambridge supports the economy and sustains Canadian livelihoods by generating 300 jobs in production, maintenance, warehousing, management, and more.  

Most of all, we are proud of how our investment in Canadian manufacturing strengthens the national supply chain, with the capability to scale. Our Canadian facility helps ensure the security of clinically preferred PPE supply domestically. PRIMED customers now have a direct line to Canadian-manufactured, high quality, and reliable PPE – when they need it most.  

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Our Newest Canadian Facility 

PRIMED’s first North American manufacturing facility was established in Cambridge, Ontario in 2020. This facility produces ASTM-rated face masks and, as one of the few domestic PPE manufacturers in Canada, it contributes to securing and solidifying the country’s medical personal protective equipment (PPE) supply chain. It also answers the growing demand for a 'Made-in-Canada' solution.  

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To set the facility up for success, PRIMED replicated its offshore manufacturing practices within its Canadian facility. With more than 29 years of experience, this translated into a foundation for efficient manufacturing of high quality PPE.

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As one of the few domestic PPE manufacturers in Canada, the new PRIMED facility contributes to securing and solidifying the country’s medical personal protective equipment (PPE) supply chain. 

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Our Impact on Supply Chain Reliability

With products found in virtually every hospital across Canada—and in healthcare facilities around the world—our primary concern is maintaining a reliable supply chain for our customers.

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The new facility plays a critical role in strengthening the domestic supply chain through:

• Increased production capacity
• Improved supply chain efficiency
• Stability in supply

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Increased production capacity

If recent events have taught us anything, it’s that things can change quickly. Tomorrow’s demands for PPE can be vastly different than today’s needs. Therefore, the ability to scale up production quickly is key. Our Ontario facility has the capability to scale production to 12 times normal volumes during demand spikes. 

A diversified manufacturing portfolio also means quicker responses to changing market conditions and customer demands. Our domestic facility can scale up production significantly during emergency events to account for a surge in demand. This is an important step in solidifying Canada’s medical PPE supply chain. 

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Improved supply chain efficiency 

PRIMED’s Canadian facility allows us to quickly shift production to Ontario during periods of global uncertainty. This means a continuous supply chain of high quality products without any concerns about border closings or tariffs. 

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Our Ontario facility also has the logistical advantage of being able to easily distribute to our warehouses in Calgary and Toronto and is well-positioned to ship products to distribution partners across the country. Onshore manufacturing minimizes transportation risks, such as delays, damages, or losses during long-distance shipping. These benefits typically result in shorter lead times. 

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Stability in supply

Natural disasters, geopolitical issues, political unrest, labour strikes, and other unexpected events can cause supply chain disruptions. When these threats strike, reliance on a single off-shore manufacturing location can make your supply chain vulnerable. Any interruptions can lead to compromised patient care. 

Over the last few years, access to offshore products has sometimes been challenging. Our Canadian facility provides close-to-home manufacturing.

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With less dependence on imported personal protective equipment, Canadians are less vulnerable to global political upheaval, border closures, and imposed tariffs.  

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Want to learn more about how PRIMED can strengthen your supply chain?

‍Book a call with our team today.