A Chesterfield firm has offered its factory and staff to make PPE for frontline NHS workers

Blachford UK, which makes vehicle soundproofing materials for clients in the UK and Europe including JCB and CASE, employs more than 100 people at its site in Holmewood.

Production at the factory has ceased in response to the global pandemic. However, appeals from the government calling on companies to do what they can to address the emergency have prompted Blachford UK’s managing director Jason Lippitt to take action.

He said: “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.

“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 to ensure that requests for help are answered immediately.

Jason added: “The company’s 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. 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 decision to curb the spread of deadly Covid-19 by enforcing a strict lockdown, saying: “The national shutdown I believe puts UK manufacturers in a strong position to recover business faster than many other countries.

“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 and equipment during the pandemic that would like to talk to Blachford UK should contact [email protected] via email.