When many businesses are feeling the pinch of the current economic situation, Ironmen Industries in Winkler is looking to hire after pivoting to meet a new global need.

CEO David Krahn explains their new product, Hot Hand Wash Mobile Sanitation units are meeting demand worldwide.

"The economy is not looking great this year... so we started thinking about what other products we could add," Krahn says.

He notes there was a temptation to wait and research government subsidies but instead spent their energy on designing a new, innovative product. "Adapt and reinvent," he says.

While they braced staff for layoffs at first, with demand for the new product they've been able to avoid letting their 15 employees go, and are instead looking to hire more help.

"It's something we're really thankful for."

So far, they have 20 units in production and have received another order of 50.

"This is not just a local market, this is really about hitting the market globally," he says, adding they're connecting with large construction associations in the U.S who've expressed an interest.

However, the benefit hasn't been just for Ironmen, Krahn explains they've been able to partner with other local companies in producing the product, "we've got a circle of people that are coming together and getting this done."

"That's one thing I really love about the manufacturing community here in Winkler, to be able to work together, we're not always looking at each other as competitors... it creates a lot of joy and excitement."

In the midst of the crisis, Krahn says they had to look past the fear and look at what hasn't changed, "and what we could still do."

"At the end of the day, we had to focus on the good things going on around us, rather than what could happen," he says. "We want to keep the momentum of the economy moving and keep the spirit of excitement and energy that we need to have."

Built to withstand almost any weather, even down to -25 degrees, the portable handwashing stations will be shipped to construction sites and retail stores. The unit holds 100 gallons of freshwater and supplies 650 uses before needing to be emptied and refilled.

He notes they hope to adapt the design so cranes can pick up a unit, allowing the hand washing station can be installed in places like the tenth floor of a construction site.