The Made in Group, created to challenge the erosion of British Industry, is helping front line staff safeguard themselves against COVID-19, with help from members of the group.
Consisting of Made in the Midlands and Made in Yorkshire The Made in Group is a membership network of manufacturers. The group recently launched the Made Medical campaign commissioning members to produce PPE for the health sector.
Kicking off the campaign, an initial order was placed for 5,500 face shields with injection mold specialists and Made in Group member Stephens Gaskets Ltd to increase supply into the care sector and remove purchasing bottlenecks. This vital PPE will be donated to those in need on Friday 24th April, delivered by staff from the Made in Group.
Jason Pitt, CEO of the Made in Group, has called on the government to actively decentralize the purchasing of PPE. Alongside calling to do the same for track and trace once the country emerges from lockdown. Jason said:
“We know from looking at Germany’s highly decentralized system that there is merit in this way of operating.”
Talking about how the idea for the Made Medical campaign came about, Jason added:
“Our team has been working hard to source PPE from the membership so we can supply them to our heroes on the frontline”
“The care sector and in particular care homes seemed to be experiencing shortages, this is particularly heartbreaking when you consider how they are turning up every day for their community, they are often amongst the lowest-paid workers.”
Stephens Gaskets Ltd produced the face visors, 500 of which they donated to the cause. Piers Baynton, Sales Engineer at the firm said:
“As soon as we were contacted we were delighted to get involved and help those who need this vital PPE the most.”
To help the cause further, the group has also set up a JustGiving page for those who would like to get involved. All donations will be issued to the British Supply Chain to produce more PPE to give to those in need.