A new business is looking to boost 海角视频 face mask supply chains and create manufacturing opportunities after setting up in the North East.
海角视频 Community Production (UCP), based near Glover Industrial Estate in Washington, launched this month to provide a zero waste face mask solution in the region.
The company is aiming to establish more sustainable supplies of disposable facemasks, which are in high-demand due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and is keen to give something back, by ensuring that its masks are eco-friendly.
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As a result, the firm has a recycling scheme that will help tackle the environmental impact of single-use masks, and it will plough a proportion of its profits into training, to support more people into careers in advanced manufacturing.
Stewart Robertson, who has joined UCP in the role of managing director, hopes that the added value it can bring to the masks market will make it an attractive supplier for firms that are keen to minimise their environmental impact, reduce carbon footprint and boost 海角视频 manufacturing, while also keeping their staff protected from the coronavirus.
Mr Robertson said: “We saw, at the beginning of this crisis, just how fragile our domestic supply chains are when it comes to items like masks, with an over-reliance on imports from overseas.
“It’s vital that we build resilience here in the 海角视频, and the only way to achieve that is by companies like UCP investing in machinery to help us manufacture these items en masse here in the 海角视频; and indeed for companies here to support us in that endeavour by buying from 海角视频 manufacturers.”
The company has invested in two new machines which can produce over 200 masks per minute.
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It is planning to operate the machines commercially for only a few hours a day initially, producing a large volume of PPE which it hopes to sell to local businesses, authorities and organisations. As orders increase, Mr Robertson plans to increase production hours, but in the meantime, the company is planning to give something back by allowing training provider NA College to use the machines in order to boost the skills of would-be manufacturing operatives.
Mr Robertson said: “We are keen that UCP gives something back.
“海角视频 manufacturing has suffered a real body blow as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, but we want to support it to grow and by allowing these machines to be used by trainees, we help to bring through the next generation of manufacturing talent, who can grasp opportunities that emerge when we come through this pandemic.
“Single-use masks are very effective, but we know that one significant issue is the environmental impact of this waste. We are committing to provide a solution to recycle our masks, so we’re asking our customers to collect their used masks, send them back and we will ensure that they do not go into landfill.”
Coun Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Time and time again, I have seen Sunderland’s ‘can do’ attitude shine through during this crisis – businesses adapting in order to support the national effort to beat this virus.
“UCP is a business that is not only meeting an immediate need in terms of the products it makes, but one that is supporting with developing the future skills needs of this region, and being cognisant of the environmental impact of its products too. It’s fantastic to see another Sunderland business that is giving back and reflects the spirit of this city perfectly.”