Founders, Long Road team up to create hand sanitizer

Founders, Long Road team up to create hand sanitizer
Current production is at 100-plus gallons of sanitizer per week and will grow significantly with donations of neutral spirit from Founders and other local suppliers. <strong>Courtesy Long Road Distillers</strong>

Grand Rapids craft beverage makers are pooling their resources to supply hand sanitizer to the community.

Founders Brewing Co. joined forces with Long Road Distillers in Grand Rapids to support the production of hand sanitizer — and to directly join the cause to prevent COVID-19.

Founders will donate high-ABV beer for distillation into a neutral spirit, a primary ingredient for hand sanitizer that has become increasingly scarce.

Long Road Distillers transitioned its production from making spirits to hand sanitizer in early March. The distillery is making it as quickly as it can to meet growing demand in Michigan and is working with over 35 hospitals, nursing homes, grocers, logistics companies and social service agencies.

Current production is at 100-plus gallons of sanitizer per week and will grow significantly with donations of neutral spirit from Founders and other local suppliers. Hand sanitizer is available for purchase to the public in 2-ounce bottles for pick-up only from the distillery.

Long Road Distillers is donating $1 of each bottle sold to its employees, many of whom are not able to work during the current crisis. The distillery also supplies half-gallon refillable jugs for local health care workers, first responders, local hospitals and nursing homes.