Matrix wins hand sanitiser contract

The state government will soon install 10, solar-powered hand sanitiser dispensers across Western Australia as part of a $1.5 million deal with Henderson-based outfit Matrix Composites & Engineering.

Those hand sanitiser units, dubbed SOLSAN, will be installed by the end of the financial year with a six-month community consultation period to follow.

Each unit will be automatic and purpose built for WA's harsh terrain, featuring bulk storage capacity with the ability for 10,000 dispenses before requiring a refill.

Matrix chief executive Aaron Begley said he was delighted to provide a product he believes is the first of its type to be designed and manufactured in Australia.

“It provides us with a fantastic opportunity to support the wider community whilst unlocking a significant new market opportunity for the company,” he said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of robust public hygiene practices to prevent the spread of dangerous viruses.

“SOLSAN will facilitate these practices in Western Australia, helping to keep the community safe during COVID-19 and beyond.”

Today’s announcement comes as WA enters the fourth day of its five-day lockdown, which was instigated to prevent the spread of the highly virulent, UK strain of COVID-19.

No new cases have been recorded since Sunday.

While restrictions are set to ease by 6pm tomorrow, the state government has indicated that some social distancing measures, such as mask wearing and checking in with venues, will continue past Friday.

Matrix opened trading this morning at $0.18/share.