Thornton Distilling and Brewing Co. Produces Hand Sanitizer for Community

During these difficult times, many of our members have been working diligently to provide any services they can to give back to the Chicago Southland community. Thornton Distilling and Brewing Co. in Thornton is doing their part by temporarily pausing production of their signature whiskey and to instead produce hand sanitizer.

Andrew Howell, co-founder of Thornton Distilling and Brewing Co., said he and the team, including head distiller Ari Klafter, had been mulling over the idea for about a week. After the mandated temporary restaurant closures, they sprang into action. The production floor was turned into a hand sanitizer prep room, using their own alcohol as well as World Health Organization-recommended supplies to create batches. Additional bulk supplies have been ordered to continue the production and keep up with local demand.

Thornton Distilling and Brewing Co. is one of many distilleries across the country that are currently producing hand sanitizer for their communities, as mentioned in Forbes.

The hand sanitizer will be distributed to the at-risk community in Thornton and surrounding towns first, including first responders at fire departments and the Thorn Creek Senior Living facility next door to the distillery, with any remaining supplies being distributed to the public. Despite business being on hold, Howell plans on sharing this hand sanitizer free of charge.

“The community of Thornton has been so supportive of us; we are proud to be able to give back. Thank you all for your patience and kindness during this unnerving time. We’re all in this together and we’re happy to be able to help in any way we can. Let’s stick together and celebrate together when this thing is done,” Howell said.

The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau thanks Howell, Klafter and the entire team at Thornton Distilling and Brewing Co. for their caring and dedicated service to the Chicago Southland Community!