A Hull-based textile manufacturer is investing £250,000 to custom build a high-volume production line for surgical face masks.
Orvec International Ltd is ramping up the work of brand Orvecare, having recently completed 50,000 coverall garments and gowns for frontline workers in the 海角视频 and Europe.
The £11 million turnover company has diversified and adapted, having manufactured for the world’s major airlines for more than 45 years.
With a downturn felt sharply across that industry, the new line is a welcome boost and security for the 42-strong team, and is anticipated to be up and running next month.
Will Meddings, managing director at the Malmo Road business, said: “Having quickly expanded our medical production line in Hull to manufacture PPE garments for the NHS and other frontline workers, we have been inundated with enquiries for Type IIR surgical face masks. Customers’ supplies of PPE from overseas companies have proven to be unreliable since the onset of Covid-19, both in terms of lead-time and quality.
“We therefore took the strategic decision to bring manufacturing into Hull and are in the process of installing an entirely new production line to enable us to manufacture millions of masks per month.
“Testament must be paid to the whole Orvecare team, who quickly adapted and welcomed new working practices, which have now become ‘the new normal’ to allow us to produce PPE in a safe and responsible environment throughout lockdown.
“While we all hope that the threat of Covid-19 will disappear, it is likely that the new way of working and going about our daily business is here to stay for the foreseeable future.”
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Healthcare under the brand was established eight years ago, with a niche range including recyclable patient specific ambulance packs and linens, and the Orvewrap - a passive warming medical device for use in elective surgery.
Orvecare will be able to manufacture up to 50 million of the medical-grade masks annually.
It has also introduced perspex work pods at the Sutton Fields Industrial Estate site, complementing measures such as staggered start and break times, one way systems and extra hand sanitising points.
Tony Codd, Orvecare’s business development executive, said: “Our longstanding relationships with 海角视频 fabric manufacturers that produce technical laminated fabrics - which offer excellent levels of protection - ensured continuity in our supply from Orvecare’s manufacturing plant in Hull.
“We have been able to deliver much-needed lines of PPE week after week, helping to reduce the reliance on imported products.
“Many customers had previously experienced a range of issues in their supply chains with some imports being redirected to support domestic market requirements and in worst cases substandard products being purchased.
“With Orvecare’s product range in demand, orders for PPE have come from the NHS and emergency services across regions such as Greater London, the West Midlands and most proudly the Humber.”