Kelso manufacturer starts production of ventilators in the battle against coronavirus

Kelso manufacturing company Plexus is this week beginning production of new ventilators for the NHS to help it treat patients with Covid-19.
The Plexus factory in Pinnaclehill Industrial Estate, Kelso.The Plexus factory in Pinnaclehill Industrial Estate, Kelso.
The Plexus factory in Pinnaclehill Industrial Estate, Kelso.

In the UK government’s national broadcast on Saturday, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove, announced that the Kelso factory and Diamedica in Barnstaple will be producing the equipment, used to treat the most severely-affected patients to breathe.

Mr Gove said: “Next week, production of another ventilator device from the companies Diamedica and Plexus, will start at the factory in Kelso.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The design is based on an existing product already in use in the NHS.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove, speaking during a media briefing in Downing Street, London, on coronavirus on Saturday.The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove, speaking during a media briefing in Downing Street, London, on coronavirus on Saturday.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove, speaking during a media briefing in Downing Street, London, on coronavirus on Saturday.

“The more ventilators, invasive and non-invasive, in the NHS, the more patients can get the care they need, when they need it.

“But the process of design, testing, assemble and manufacture does take time.”

Ronnie Darroch, Plexus’s executive vice-president and regional president for Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “We are proud to be a part of this opportunity to produce a substantial number of ventilators that will be deployed in hospitals across the United Kingdom.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I am humbled by the incredible work ethic of the Plexus teams in Kelso and Livingston in Scotland, and around the globe, who are doing their utmost to make the rapid production of these critical products possible.

“I also would like to thank the courageous medical professionals of the NHS who we are honoured to serve.”

Todd Kelsey, the company’s president and CEO, commented: “Plexus is uniquely qualified to support the design, development and production of critical medical equipment that assists healthcare workers in the fight against Covid-19.

“In addition to producing ventilators, Plexus also manufactures several other essential medical devices that further the fight against COVID-19 in its facilities around the world.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“These devices include: infusion pumps, diagnostic equipment, patient monitors, bronchoscopes and laryngoscopes, CT scanners, MRI machines, ultrasounds and mobile x-ray units.”

Mr Kelsey added: “I applaud our team members, particularly those in our manufacturing sites, who every day are demonstrating their courage and unwavering support of our customers and the brave medical professionals around the globe.

“Our teams’ contributions throughout Plexus provide us the opportunity to directly and indirectly support the fight against Covid-19, while also contributing to the supply of those products that are essential and in dire need.”

The Southern understands staff at the Kelso facility are now working 12-hour shifts in order to ensure the ventilators are delivered to the NHS as soon as possible.