Protolabs, an engineering firm based on the Halesfield industrial estate, has begun manufacturing valves that allow snorkelling masks to be retrofitted as ventilators to treat coronavirus patients.
Due to a major shortage of ventilator equipment in Italy, medical alternatives have been sought around the world. British-based companies such as Protolabs have been contributing to an ingenious effort to mass produce valves, which form a key part of a medical ventilator.
The valves can be used to adapt full-face snorkelling masks and allow them to be used for medical purposes. They may provide a temporary solution to the shortage of ventilators and Protolabs are already shipping valves to Italy to be assembled for medical use, potentially saving many lives.
Lucy Allan MP has written to Protolabs to thank them for supporting the fight against coronavirus and for their continued operation, meaning many families can rely on a regular pay packet. You can see her letter below.
You can also read more about local businesses' efforts to manufacture medical equipment here.
Lucy Allan MP said:
“I am proud to have such an excellent engineering company in my constituency, and I am grateful to Protolabs for keeping hundreds of my constituents employed despite serious pressure on employers.”
