Medical devices, masks and vaccines are among products that companies in Ireland have been encouraged to make to help fight Covid-19, with up to €200 million in State support announced last year.
An average of €1 million has been granted to individual companies, who were able to answer the call. Apparel Supply is a company that up until last year was busy making GAA jerseys and industrial workwear.
In Spring 2020, the machines went quiet because of lockdown and the family-run business decided to adapt production to something that was needed but in short supply - face masks. "At that time we were giving them out free to nursing homes, charities and local services," explained John Molloy, the owner of the Waterford-based company.