Chesterfield company ceases production and offers factory and workforce to coronavirus effort

A Chesterfield manufacturing company is offering its factory, 100-strong workforce and resources to the national effort to fight coronavirus.
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Blachford UK, which makes vehicle soundproofing materials for clients in both the UK and Europe, including JCB and CASE, employs more than 100 people at its site in Holmewood.

Production at the factory has ceased because of the global pandemic – but appeals from the government to manufacturers to assist with the UK effort has prompted managing director Jason Lippitt to offer the services of the company’s factory and staff.

Jason Lippitt, managing director of of Chesterfield's Blachford UK, has offered to help in the national coronavirus battle.Jason Lippitt, managing director of of Chesterfield's Blachford UK, has offered to help in the national coronavirus battle.
Jason Lippitt, managing director of of Chesterfield's Blachford UK, has offered to help in the national coronavirus battle.
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“We have a large production facility and a skilled workforce, including engineers, machinists and designers, that can all be utilised to manufacture goods and equipment that are critical to the NHS,” he said.

“If there are any companies out there, particularly those making PPE for NHS workers, we have staff and equipment at Blachford and we’d all like to help.”

The company has set up a dedicated email address during the crisis, to ensure that requests for help are answered immediately.

Jason added: “The company view is that we are all in this together and our staff want to help wherever they can to help the nation get fit and well and back to business.

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“Blachford is a family and I am immensely proud of every member of staff for their support, not only for the company but the national effort to fight Coronavirus.”

Jason praised the government’s response to a national shutdown, which was announced on Monday.

“The national shutdown I believe puts UK manufacturers in a strong position to recover business faster than many other countries,” he said.

“There is no doubt that UK manufacturing will face financial hardship over the coming months but, due to the nation’s collective shutdown, I believe the sector will recover and be in an excellent position in a couple of years.”

Companies involved in producing essential supplies during the COVID-19 crisis and which would like to talk to Blachford should email [email protected] for more information.

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