South Yorkshire businesses step forward to switch production to make PPE

Companies and other organisations with capability are still being urged to help in manufacturing nitrile gloves and aprons.

Breweries or gin distilleries who can use their kit and alcohol supplies are asked to make hand sanitiser, as well as new 500ml pump dispenser bottles, to decant hand sanitiser into and for infection control purposes.

Textiles companies who can make scrubs, fabric masks, theatre caps and gowns are also being asked to help.

Sheffield City Region bosses have thanked many firms including Burngreave-based Digital Exchange.

The company is helping to produce reusable gowns, working with a manufacturer of bio-degradable face visors in the region, supplying UK-made hand sanitiser, and has put millions of aprons into UK production.

The items are still being sent to NHS organisations and councils. The company also donated 6,000 face masks this month to South Yorkshire residential homes and food banks.

Educational centres have also helped the effort including Barnsley College who have supplied 2,500 visors to the town’s hospital using 3D printers and laser cutters while working with nearby firms to source materials.

Last month, South Yorkshire metro mayor Dan Jarvis, the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Integrated Care System (ICS) issued a call to arms, asking firms to help make gowns, masks, gloves and hand sanitiser.

Dozens of offers from South Yorkshire businesses have been received.

Sheffield City Region mayor Dan Jarvis, said: “Our companies have made an enormous contribution to efforts to overcome the coronavirus, and they have shown South Yorkshire’s strengths and resilience.

“Our makers and creators power our economy, and now they have switched production to save lives. Businesses, NHS and care colleagues and key workers are pulling together to help us get through this challenge.

“I’m proud that PPE is being made in South Yorkshire and worn by heroes. I want to thank everyone who has stepped forward – your contributions have played a vital role in saving lives and will continue to make a difference as we emerge from this challenge.”

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