Facing COVID-19: The wirework manufacturer that went from ‘cliff-edge’ to NHS lifeline

A Yorkshire company has gone from having operations halted by COVID-19 restrictions to supplying frontline medical equipment to the NHS Nightingale hospitals across the country.

Knaresborough wirework manufacturer Craven & Co is creating and distributing 800 intravenous (IV) drip stands daily after being fast-tracked into the NHS supply chain because of its production capabilities.

Craven & Co director, Wez Dance, commented: “As a UK-based designer and manufacturer mainly using materials from an established network of British suppliers, we have been able to quickly make and distribute medical equipment for the NHS.

“In addition, our expertise and experience in bespoke solutions has meant that, in a short space of time, we’ve been able to create a new IV stand design specifically for use in the Nightingale hospitals.”

Wez described the NHS work as “a lifeline” for Craven & Co after much of its operations “literally fell off a cliff almost immediately” when coronavirus restrictions were imposed, as 60 to 70 per cent of the firm’s manufacturing output normally comprises products for the catering and retail sectors.

He explained: “Losing most of our day-to-day business was extremely stressful, but it actually meant we had the capacity and resources to be able to react to the situation and produce the required equipment to the NHS in full and on time.”

Craven & Co director, Noel Baker, added: “We are delighted to be helping the NHS in their fight against this pandemic.

“All the NHS workers have inspired everyone at Craven & Co to be resolute and even more willing to go the extra mile.”