Industrial steam specialist, Spirax Sarco, has begun machining a critical component part for use in the UCL-Ventura breathing aid, a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device that is being used to provide potentially life-saving oxygen to patients affected by COVID-19.
The company responded to an urgent enquiry from Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains, which is working in conjunction with University College London, asking if the company could produce the component at its manufacturing plant in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
The part is a special design quick-fit connector that helps to safely manage the flow of oxygen, ensuring that as many patients as possible can receive the vital supply they need.
In less than a week Spirax Sarco completed a technical evaluation, wrote the programmes required to manufacture the part, produced the first samples, had the samples reviewed and approved, and commenced round-the-clock production, which will continue until the order is fulfilled.
Spirax Sarco began by producing 300 parts every 24 hours, but quickly increased this to 450 parts.
And collections from the factory are happening every few hours to ensure there is no delay to the assembly and shipment of the completed devices.
Greg Godfrey-Williams, UK supply director at Spirax Sarco, said: “We are proud to be able to offer our skills and resources to support the nation’s fight against COVID-19.
“In addition to responding to this specific need, we also continue to meet the critical demand of many of our customers who are also playing a vital role in responding to this virus, from hospitals to pharmaceutical companies and food manufacturers.”