KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 9): Hartalega Holdings Bhd has formed a non-exclusive partnership with US-based United Global Trading Corp (UGTC) which will import and distribute Hartalega’s nitrile or synthetic rubber gloves tested for use with chemotherapy drugs and fentanyl, to meet the demands of the North American market, according to UGTC.

In a statement on Thursday (Oct 6), UGTC said the partnership between UGTC and the rubber glove maker is a natural fit given both companies' commitment to quality and safety. 

"UGTC is determined to provide products and services that meet or exceed the highest safety standards, while Hartalega is known for its innovative glove design and manufacturing technology.  

"Headquartered in Malaysia, Hartalega is recognised as one of the world's largest producers of nitrile gloves for the healthcare industry. This partnership allows US-based UGTC to provide customers with a comprehensive product offering meeting the highest safety standards in the industry,” UGTC said.

UGTC said that during the Covid-19 pandemic which began in early 2020, global demand for single-use gloves skyrocketed and exceeded manufacturers' production capacity. 

According to UGTC, glove demand attracted new suppliers, hence flooding the market with lower-quality gloves, but at inflated prices. 

"UGTC market research shows users are forced to use lesser-quality gloves. Independent medical facilities expressed frustration at the high price and lack of quality,” UGTC said.

UGTC chief executive officer Sean Price said in the statement that with the pandemic still lingering, a strong flu season expected, and high levels of fentanyl entering North America, personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies are not products where one can cut corners.

"With the increase of fentanyl in North America, protecting our frontline and medical workers by providing them with the highest quality PPE at a very competitive price is of the utmost importance," Price said.    

At the time of writing on Sunday, Hartalega had not issued a statement in response to UGTC’s statement on the partnership.

On Friday, Hartalega’s share price closed down 11 sen or 6.11% at RM1.69 for a market value of about RM5.78 billion with 24.93 million shares traded.

Hartalega has 3.42 billion outstanding shares, according to the company’s latest annual report.

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