Spirax Sarco responded to an enquiry from Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains, who are working in conjunction with University College London, asking if the company could produce the component at its manufacturing plant in Cheltenham. The part is said to be a quick-fit connector that helps to safely manage the flow of oxygen.
In less than a week, the firm completed a technical evaluation, wrote the programmes required to manufacture the part, produced the first samples, had the samples reviewed and approved, and commenced around-the-clock production.
It began by producing 300 parts every 24 hours but increased this to 450 parts. 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, comments: “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 to food manufacturers.”
The first 100 components shipped from Spirax Sarco on 8 April at 10:00pm and by the morning of 9 April, the completed CPAP devices had been inspected, built, tested and prepared for shipment to the NHS UK.