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Top glove factory in Malaysia: More than 5700 workers remain to be examined
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SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images
At the world's largest manufacturer of rubber gloves, more than 2000 workers tested positive for the corona virus.
There is currently high demand for the products of the top glove group from Malaysia in the fight against the pandemic, and the company achieved record profits.
However, after the infections at Top Glove, the authorities have now announced that they will gradually close 28 factory buildings.
There is not yet an exact schedule, but the news of the corona outbreak at the company has already caused the company's shares to plummet.
They lost more than 7.5 percent of their value.
Top Glove claims that it controls a quarter of the global market for latex gloves.
Europe and North America are the largest buyers
An uncontrolled spread of the virus in Malaysia could even endanger rubber glove production worldwide.
According to the industry association, the country produces almost two thirds of all rubber gloves in the world.
In addition to Top Glove, Hartalega and Supermax are among the other two major producers in Malaysia.
The number of infection cases at Top Glove could meanwhile continue to rise.
While 2,400 workers have already tested positive for the virus, according to the Malaysian Ministry of Health, more than 5,700 more need to be tested.
There was a strong increase, especially in the vicinity of the factories and sleeping quarters.
The Los Angeles Times had already reported concerns about the working and living conditions of poorly paid employees in September.
There was talk of 12-hour shifts in hot factory rooms.
The British BBC, citing an NGO for labor law, reported on the cramped living conditions of workers who are particularly susceptible to infections in overcrowded shared accommodation.
The LA Times quoted a company spokesman saying that the company was committed to the welfare of its employees.
In total, Top Glove operates 47 factories in Malaysia, Thailand, China and Vietnam and employs around 16,000 people there.
Gloves are made in 36 of the factories.
Europe and North America are the largest buyers of the products.
According to Top Glove, production in 16 of the 28 factories scheduled for closure has already been temporarily suspended since last Wednesday, and capacities in the others have been reduced.
According to one analyst, a tighter supply could drive rubber glove prices higher.
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apr / Reuters