Warwick company goes from automotive design to manufacturing NHS protective equipment

A Warwick-based design, engineering and recruitment firm is supporting the government’s call for businesses to be part of the UK’s response to COVID-19.

Contechs has signed up to join the national effort to provide urgently-needed protective equipment to hospitals in the fight against coronavirus and is on standby to design and manufacture vital medical equipment and supplies for the NHS which is struggling to cope with the influx of seriously ill patients.

The Warwick manufacturing headquarters will be manufacturing protective clothing including scrubs and gowns - a change from its usual work as a specialist in providing automotive product design and engineering services for some of the world’s biggest names in the automotive industry

Contechs Managing Director Peter Jarvis said the UK’s response to coronavirus is a top priority for firms around the country – with latest figures showing deaths have surpassed the 7,000 mark.

“The production of ventilators and protective clothing at hospitals is a national priority and it is imperative that every business with the capabilities helps in the battle against coronavirus,” said Mr Jarvis.

“We have all seen the incredible work of our doctors and nurses in the NHS, but with such a high number of patients being admitted to hospital every day and a lack of vital equipment, there is a real need for businesses to work together and do all we can to help in these unprecedented times.”

The business works with some of the world’s largest automotive clients, including Ford and Jaguar Land Rover, employing more than 1,000 people at its sites in Warwick, Basildon, Germany and Slovakia.

Contechs, which is one of the UK’s fastest growing businesses, has made significant investment in its sites over the last four years with further exciting plans in the pipeline.

Peter added: “We are incredibly grateful that we have the capabilities to switch production and use our high-end machinery to assist the NHS in their tireless efforts. We would encourage other businesses to do the same and help save as many lives as we can.”