More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A defence technology company has joined the effort to supply PPE to those in need.
BAE System's site in Rochester, which handles electronic systems, have been developing a new face shield design.
KMTV speaks to Dave Banks from BAE Sytems
Production for the protective gear began last week, with the site aiming to make an initial batch of 3,000 to supply to the NHS and social care services.
The company has so far delivered 45,000 face shields from across it's UK branches, 4,000 of which have gone to healthcare workers in Kent and Medway.
The firm's site in Rochester doesn't have the large, industrial-scale 3D printers and as such, the team formulated a design which reduces the number of components needed, meaning their smaller 3D printers can make them more quickly than existing designs.
John Russell, deputy director for engineering at BAE Rochester said: "The NHS and healthcare workers across the UK continue to make the nation proud and we wanted to play our part in helping those on the frontline.
“Our team of engineers created a new design of face shield that could be produced in high numbers using our smaller 3D printers in less than a week which is a huge achievement.
"We’ve now started production and the first of the new shields produced at Rochester will be making their way to our amazing NHS staff this week.”
