South West manufacturers step up ventilator production efforts

Manufacturers across the South West are stepping up efforts to produce thousands of new ventilators to help protect patients during the coronavirus pandemic.

Manufacturing specialists SWMAS are working with firms across the region to support the production of thousands of respirators needed in hospitals all over the country.

The NHS currently has access to around 6,000 ventilators across the UK, but many more than this will be required to cope with the effects of the Covid-19 crisis over the coming months.

That has led the government to appeal direct to the manufacturing industry to help, urging ‘all those with relevant expertise who might be able to help to come together to help the country tackle this national crisis’.

SWMAS is offering support to regional businesses who may be able to switch their production lines to help reduce the shortfall.

Director Nick Golding said: “We have used our collective knowledge to identify a number of South West-based businesses with the specialist skills needed to manufacture ventilators, or provide component parts.

“As a solution to this urgent requirement, we can work with these companies to help them increase their production capacity without the need to invest heavily.”

SWMAS is also offering support to manufacturing companies across a range of issues to help them navigate the current economic turbulence, as many face downturns in orders and issues with supply chains and workforce absence.

Golding continued: “We can offer relevant support to UK SME manufacturers throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. From outlining government support provisions, to practical advice on maintaining productivity with reduced resources, SWMAS has the manufacturing expertise and industry experience to help guide businesses through the coming months.

“If you would like our help with a particular issue or concern, please ask. Your input will help to inform our specialists so they can offer South-West based SME manufacturers the specific support they need in these unprecedented times.”