Global manufacturer, Plexus, is participating in UK Government efforts to expedite the manufacturing of ventilators to help fight COVID-19 from its Kelso facility.
Cabinet Office minister, the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, announced on Saturday that the machinery will be produced by the Scottish Borders manufacturer.
Plexus will be manufacturing and delivering ventilators to the NHS to assist in treatment of those with COVID-19. The design is based on an existing product already in use in the NHS. The ventilators will be used by NHS hospitals right across the UK.
Plexus employs around 350 workers at its plant in Kelso.
John Lamont MP commented: “I have been humbled by the many examples of selflessness across the Scottish Borders and indeed the whole UK since the beginning of this outbreak, by both organisations and individuals.
“I am absolutely delighted that Plexus in Kelso is working with the UK Government to deliver more ventilators. There is no doubt that this will save lives.
“I pay tribute to the staff and management at the Kelso facility who will be understandably concerned about the coronavirus outbreak but are going above and beyond to help in our national effort to combat COVID-19.”
Rachael Hamilton MSP said: ““The UK Government’s announcement is great for Plexus and the Borders, and is a culmination of a hard graft from many people to bring this successful proposal together.
“It draws upon the wealth of talent and expertise in our area to produce life-saving medical equipment
“Ventilators are being used right across the country, on the front line, to save people who have been admitted to intensive care as a result of COVID-19.
“The hard work and determination of those the management team and staff of Plexus, in our NHS, in supermarkets and those volunteering is getting us through these exceptionally difficult times; we all owe them a huge debt of gratitude”.
Announcing the news that ventilators would be made by Plexus, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove MP said: “The more ventilators, invasive and non-invasive, available to the NHS, the more patients can get the care they need when they need it.”
