Beam Suntory has announced that it has donated 2,000 gallons of hand sanitiser product to support local medical professionals, first responders and health facilities in Illinois to support their fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

As part of this initiative, the company is working with public officials to understand the most urgent needs and supply this critical product as available.

Beam Suntory president and CEO Albert Baladi said: “Everyone at Beam Suntory is grateful to all those working so tirelessly on the front lines to protect our communities, and we’re proud to support their efforts.

“Chicago thrives when neighbours support neighbours, and that’s helped inspire our team to rapidly repurpose part of our operations to produce hand sanitizer so that we can help meet the urgent needs of our city.”

Earlier, the Chicago-based company also donated hand sanitiser products to the first responders, medical professionals in Kentucky.

The company noted that it converted a pilot plant within its Global Innovation Center in Clermont, Kentucky into a facility to produce sanitiser products.

The US Senator Dick Durbin said: “In an unprecedented public health emergency, it’s critical that our community comes together to create a united front. When Beam Suntory reached out to my office about shifting their production to hand sanitiser, I was glad to connect its team with local hospitals and first responders.

“I’m grateful that organisations like Beam Suntory are adapting during this time of crisis to support our community and Chicagoans battling coronavirus on the front lines.”

Earlier this month, Beam Suntory and its joint venture distribution partner Maxxium Spain have pledged €240,000 to support hospitals and nursing homes in Madrid and Segovia in Spain to fight the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.