Composites firm reconfigures production for NHS ventilator parts

Composites and advanced materials precision slitting company, Bindatex, is supporting the UK government’s call for help for manufacturers to assist in the urgent capacity of ventilators.

Bindatex has reconfigured its production to begin die cutting discs for filters to assist with the production of ventilators for the NHS. 

Chris Lever, managing director of Bindatex, said: “We have immediately started work with customers in order to manufacture these life-saving ventilators.

“As production ramps up for the essential parts for these ventilators, we have added extra capacity to fulfil current orders whilst this emergency work continues. We will continue to support manufacturing of ventilators during these unprecedented times.”

The company has also brought in emergency plans in order to maintain high levels of health and safety for employees during this pandemic. Bindatex has already made changes to processes in response to government advice to minimise the risk of infection and reduce impact on production.

In a letter to partners and employees, Mr Lever added: “We have, of course, implemented the government’s recommendations and come up with a few of our own. As a responsible employer in these unprecedented events, we will ensure our staff receive full wages regardless of whether they choose to self-isolate, or to come into work.

“Other measures include denying visitors, such as delivery drivers, access to the factory and ensuring manufacturing teams do not meet during a shift, minimising social contact to reduce the risk to staff and suppliers.”

While the company has pledged a section of its workforce, production capacity and machinery to the production of ventilators to fight this virus, Bindatex is still delivering for its usual customers, by increasing its production rate. At present, it is working with its customers, manufacturing the parts, and is able to support other manufacturers by providing the filters.