We continue our series where we highlight how BCFA are supplying and helping the Healthcare industry in this challenging time. Working flat out to supply essential products, we are incredibly proud to have such supportive members. We reach out to a few companies to find out what they’re up to in this difficult time…
Herman Miller
Herman Miller has been developing methods of producing face shields for front line workers during the Covid-19 crisis. We have used our in-house 3D printer to create 600 frames for face shields in collaboration with the University of Bath. We have also used our production laser cutter to make visors which have been paired with 3D printed frames and sent to Wiltshire Air Ambulance. We also laser cut 200 face shields for the Royal United Hospital in Bath.
We are looking into importing some injection moulded frames which our North American operations team have developed in collaboration with local suppliers. This would reduce the cost of the frames and allow us to supply thousands rather than hundreds of frames.
Click here to contact Herman Miller
Amtico modifies manufacturing facilities to help produce life-saving PPE equipment
Coventry-based flooring manufacturer and BCFA Member Amtico has joined forces with schools in the battle against COVID-19 by utilising its production facilities and expertise to produce parts needed for life-saving face shields used by frontline NHS and critical key workers. The company has already produced 4,500 of the headbands to date, with capacity to produce up to 20,000 per day.
While Amtico is renowned for its luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring, the company has successfully adapted the materials and machinery used in its production to create parts for essential PPE for use throughout the UK. This comes as the result of joining forces with schools from around the country, who were working on producing face shields using 3D printing before assembling them and distributing them nationwide.
The original 3D printed design consisted of a headband made from three separate components, which was then clipped to a clear acetate visor. As the headband is the most complex and time-consuming component of a protective face shield, Amtico stepped in to help improve the efficiency and speed of production.
The company assembled a dedicated team of technical, CAD and cutting specialists and, within a few hours, modified the design of the headband. Adapting it to comprise of two separate components, rather than three, ensured it was more secure and structurally sound, as well as faster and more efficient to assemble, with less wastage. Amtico also created a new composition of its flooring material specifically for the head straps, ensuring the best balance between flexibility and rigidity, with the ultimate aim of making them as comfortable and practical as possible for frontline NHS staff and critical key workers.
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Knightsbridge – Committed to the Cause
During these unprecedented times, Knightsbridge Furniture, as the oldest approved furniture supplier to the NHS in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, holding contracts for patient, ward and mental health furniture are dedicated to supporting the NHS and HSE in the fight against COVID-19 by fulfilling essential work to meet the increase in requirement of healthcare furniture.
As a longstanding partner of the NHS, we are very aware of the situation and have been able to rapidly mobilise our factory to meet the increase in demand by working closely with our suppliers and following Government guidelines to ensure the personal safety of our employees and the key workers we are supporting.
Our timber furniture is treated with an approved antimicrobial lacquer coating, whilst our vinyl suppliers have independently tested and verified their vinyl’s to completely prevent the growth of COVID-19.
We very much appreciate the essential work being completed by our skilled craftsmen at this time, and are proud to be able to make our small contribution during the current pandemic by manufacturing key lines of furniture for patients and to also allow NHS frontline staff opportunities to rest during their long shifts.
Alan Towns, CEO of Knightsbridge Furniture said, “We have seen an overwhelming show of support from employees to work around the clock in support of the NHS and key workers. We are extremely privileged to be able to play our small part in helping the heroes on the frontline to battle against the virus.”
Click here to contact Knightsbridge
Ulster Carpets
Ulster Carpets have always taken its role within the community very seriously supporting many charities and community initiatives since it was founded over 80 years ago. Now is no different, with the company helping in a number of ways during these difficult times.
A £50,000 donation to support front line workers in Craigavon Area Hospital, which serves the town where the company still manufacturers today has been made through a trust fund set up by Ulster Carpets. This has purchased over 7,000 bottles of hand sanitiser for hospital staff from a local business who has switched production to supply this much needed product.
Ulster Carpets are also providing logistical support for the production of the Hero Shield. This is a visor designed to protect healthcare workers when treating Covid-19 infectious patients. Different components are being made by various firms across Northern Ireland and Ulster are collecting and delivering them to where they are being assembled. Manufacture of the visor has begun with a target of making 40,000 per week for health care workers.
The company is proud to be able to play its part and support its community during these extremely challenging times.
Click here to contact Ulster Carpets